Investigation of a linear plasma accelerator in a transverse magnetic field

V. M. Fedrov

Abstract
The acceleration of a plasma across a magnetic field in a linear accelerator has been studied An electro-optical method was employed for velocity measurements. Measured values obtained by time-resolved photography were compared with values calculated from voltage measurements taken at the ends of the electrodes. A pceionized plasma ws used and the mechanism of acceleration was visually observed. The experiments indicate that the plasma is accelerated in separate layers. Cutoff of acceleration was also observed. At cutoff the instantaneous value of the voltage difference across the plasma my be as high as 2 to 4·10⁴ V. This instability is related to the increase of plasma density at the cathode. It is proposed to develop suitable electrode geometries in order to ensure uniform contact between plasma and electrodes. Figs. 7, Refs 10.