Cross-section analysis of the Magnum-PSI plasma beam using a 2D multi-probe system

Abstract

The linear plasma generator Magnum-PSI was designed for the study of plasma–surface interactions under relevant conditions of fusion devices. A key factor for such studies is the knowledge of a set of parameters that characterize the plasma interacting with the solid surface. This paper reports on the electrical diagnosis of the plasma beam in Magnum-PSI using a multi-probe system consisting of 64 probes arranged in a 2D square matrix. Cross-section distributions of floating potential and ion current intensity were registered for a hydrogen plasma beam under various discharge currents (80–175 A) and magnetic field strengths (0.47–1.41 T in the middle of the coils). Probe measurements revealed a high level of flexibility of plasma beam parameters with respect to the operating conditions.