Development of a radio frequency ion source with multi-helicon plasma injectors for neutral beam injection system of Versatile Experiment Spherical Torus.

PubMed

Choe, Kyumin; Jung, Bongki; Chung, Kyoung-Jae; Hwang, Y S

2014-02-01

Despite of high plasma density, helicon plasma has not yet been applied to a large area ion source such as a driver for neutral beam injection (NBI) system due to intrinsically poor plasma uniformity in the discharge region. In this study, a radio-frequency (RF) ion source with multi-helicon plasma injectors for high plasma density with good uniformity has been designed and constructed for the NBI system of Versatile Experiment Spherical Torus at Seoul National University. The ion source consists of a rectangular plasma expansion chamber (120 × 120 × 120 mm(3)), four helicon plasma injectors with annular permanent magnets and RF power system. Main feature of the source is downstream plasma confinement in the cusp magnetic field configuration which is generated by arranging polarities of permanent magnets in the helicon plasma injectors. In this paper, detailed design of the multi-helicon plasma injector and plasma characteristics of the ion source are presented.

The physics and chemistry of dusty plasmas: A laboratory and theoretical investigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whipple, E. C.

1986-01-01

Theoretical work on dusty plasmas was conducted in three areas: collective effects in a dusty plasma, the role of dusty plasmas in cometary atmospheres, and the role of dusty plasmas in planetary atmospheres (particularly in the ring systems of the giant planets). Laboratory investigations consisted of studies of dust/plasma interactions and stimulated molecular excitation and infrared emission by charged dust grains. Also included is a list of current publications.

A self-consistent two-fluid model of a magnetized plasma-wall transition

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gyergyek, T.; Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, P.O. Box 100, 1000 Ljubljana; Kovačič, J.

A self-consistent one-dimensional two-fluid model of the magnetized plasma-wall transition is presented. The model includes magnetic field, elastic collisions between ions and electrons, and creation/annihilation of charged particles. Two systems of differential equations are derived. The first system describes the whole magnetized plasma-wall transition region, which consists of the pre-sheath, the magnetized pre-sheath (Chodura layer), and the sheath, which is not neutral, but contains a positive space charge. The second system of equations describes only the neutral part of the plasma-wall transition region—this means only the pre-sheath and the Chodura layer, but not also the sheath. Both systems are solvedmore » numerically. The first system of equations has two singularities. The first occurs when ion velocity in the direction perpendicularly to the wall drops below the ion thermal velocity. The second occurs when the electron velocity in the direction perpendicularly to the wall exceeds the electron thermal velocity. The second system of differential equations only has one singularity, which has also been derived analytically. For finite electron to ion mass ratio, the integration of the second system always breaks down before the Bohm criterion is fulfilled. Some properties of the first system of equations are examined. It is shown that the increased collision frequency demagnetizes the plasma. On the other hand, if the magnetic field is so strong that the ion Larmor radius and the Debye length are comparable, the electron velocity in the direction perpendicularly to the wall reaches the electron thermal velocity before the ion velocity in the direction perpendicularly to the wall reaches the ion sound velocity. In this case, the integration of the model equations breaks down before the Bohm criterion is fulfilled and the sheath is formed.« less

21 CFR 866.5150 - Bence-Jones proteins immunological test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... the Bence-Jones proteins in urine and plasma. Immunoglobulin molecules normally consist of pairs of... disulfide bridges. In some cancerous conditions, there is a proliferation of one plasma cell (antibody... plasma, and have been called Bence-Jones proteins. Measurement of Bence-Jones proteins and determination...

21 CFR 866.5150 - Bence-Jones proteins immunological test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... the Bence-Jones proteins in urine and plasma. Immunoglobulin molecules normally consist of pairs of... disulfide bridges. In some cancerous conditions, there is a proliferation of one plasma cell (antibody... plasma, and have been called Bence-Jones proteins. Measurement of Bence-Jones proteins and determination...

21 CFR 866.5150 - Bence-Jones proteins immunological test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... the Bence-Jones proteins in urine and plasma. Immunoglobulin molecules normally consist of pairs of... disulfide bridges. In some cancerous conditions, there is a proliferation of one plasma cell (antibody... plasma, and have been called Bence-Jones proteins. Measurement of Bence-Jones proteins and determination...

21 CFR 866.5150 - Bence-Jones proteins immunological test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... the Bence-Jones proteins in urine and plasma. Immunoglobulin molecules normally consist of pairs of... disulfide bridges. In some cancerous conditions, there is a proliferation of one plasma cell (antibody... plasma, and have been called Bence-Jones proteins. Measurement of Bence-Jones proteins and determination...

21 CFR 866.5150 - Bence-Jones proteins immunological test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... the Bence-Jones proteins in urine and plasma. Immunoglobulin molecules normally consist of pairs of... disulfide bridges. In some cancerous conditions, there is a proliferation of one plasma cell (antibody... plasma, and have been called Bence-Jones proteins. Measurement of Bence-Jones proteins and determination...

Design, simulation and construction of the Taban tokamak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

H, R. MIRZAEI; R, AMROLLAHI

2018-04-01

This paper describes the design and construction of the Taban tokamak, which is located in Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran. The Taban tokamak was designed for plasma investigation. The design, simulation and construction of essential parts of the Taban tokamak such as the toroidal field (TF) system, ohmic heating (OH) system and equilibrium field system and their power supplies are presented. For the Taban tokamak, the toroidal magnetic coil was designed to produce a maximum field of 0.7 T at R = 0.45 m. The power supply of the TF was a 130 kJ, 0–10 kV capacitor bank. Ripples of toroidal magnetic field at the plasma edge and plasma center are 0.2% and 0.014%, respectively. For the OH system with 3 kA current, the stray field in the plasma region is less than 40 G over 80% of the plasma volume. The power supply of the OH system consists of two stages, as follows. The fast bank stage is a 120 μF, 0–5 kV capacitor that produces 2.5 kA in 400 μs and the slow bank stage is 93 mF, 600 V that can produce a maximum of 3 kA. The equilibrium system can produce uniform magnetic field at plasma volume. This system’s power supply, like the OH system, consists of two stages, so that the fast bank stage is 500 μF, 800 V and the slow bank stage is 110 mF, 200 V.

Amps particle accelerator definition study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sellen, J. M., Jr.

1975-01-01

The Particle Accelerator System of the AMPS (Atmospheric, Magnetospheric, and Plasmas in Space) payload is a series of charged particle accelerators to be flown with the Space Transportation System Shuttle on Spacelab missions. In the configuration presented, the total particle accelerator system consists of an energetic electron beam, an energetic ion accelerator, and both low voltage and high voltage plasma acceleration devices. The Orbiter is illustrated with such a particle accelerator system.

Combustion flame-plasma hybrid reactor systems, and chemical reactant sources

DOEpatents

Kong, Peter C

2013-11-26

Combustion flame-plasma hybrid reactor systems, chemical reactant sources, and related methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a combustion flame-plasma hybrid reactor system comprising a reaction chamber, a combustion torch positioned to direct a flame into the reaction chamber, and one or more reactant feed assemblies configured to electrically energize at least one electrically conductive solid reactant structure to form a plasma and feed each electrically conductive solid reactant structure into the plasma to form at least one product is disclosed. In an additional embodiment, a chemical reactant source for a combustion flame-plasma hybrid reactor comprising an elongated electrically conductive reactant structure consisting essentially of at least one chemical reactant is disclosed. In further embodiments, methods of forming a chemical reactant source and methods of chemically converting at least one reactant into at least one product are disclosed.

Self-consistent modeling of electron cyclotron resonance ion sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Girard, A.; Hitz, D.; Melin, G.; Serebrennikov, K.; Lécot, C.

2004-05-01

In order to predict the performances of electron cyclotron resonance ion source (ECRIS), it is necessary to perfectly model the different parts of these sources: (i) magnetic configuration; (ii) plasma characteristics; (iii) extraction system. The magnetic configuration is easily calculated via commercial codes; different codes also simulate the ion extraction, either in two dimension, or even in three dimension (to take into account the shape of the plasma at the extraction influenced by the hexapole). However the characteristics of the plasma are not always mastered. This article describes the self-consistent modeling of ECRIS: we have developed a code which takes into account the most important construction parameters: the size of the plasma (length, diameter), the mirror ratio and axial magnetic profile, whether a biased probe is installed or not. These input parameters are used to feed a self-consistent code, which calculates the characteristics of the plasma: electron density and energy, charge state distribution, plasma potential. The code is briefly described, and some of its most interesting results are presented. Comparisons are made between the calculations and the results obtained experimentally.

A computer model of solar panel-plasma interactions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cooke, D. L.; Freeman, J. W.

1980-01-01

High power solar arrays for satellite power systems are presently being planned with dimensions of kilometers, and with tens of kilovolts distributed over their surface. Such systems face many plasma interaction problems, such as power leakage to the plasma, particle focusing, and anomalous arcing. These effects cannot be adequately modeled without detailed knowledge of the plasma sheath structure and space charge effects. Laboratory studies of 1 by 10 meter solar array in a simulated low Earth orbit plasma are discussed. The plasma screening process is discussed, program theory is outlined, and a series of calibration models is presented. These models are designed to demonstrate that PANEL is capable of accurate self consistant space charge calculations. Such models include PANEL predictions for the Child-Langmuir diode problem.

Modeling of electron cyclotron resonance discharges

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Meyyappan, M.; Govindan, T.R.

The current trend in plasma processing is the development of high density plasma sources to achieve high deposition and etch rates, uniformity over large ares, and low wafer damage. Here, is a simple model to predict the spatially-averaged plasma characteristics of electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) reactors is presented. The model consists of global conservation equations for species concentration, electron density and energy. A gas energy balance is used to predict the neutral temperature self-consistently. The model is demonstrated for an ECR argon discharge. The predicted behavior of the discharge as a function of system variables agrees well with experimental observations.

Hydrogen plasma tests of some insulating coating systems for the nuclear rocket thrust chamber

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Current, A. N.; Grisaffe, S. J.; Wycoff, K. C.

1972-01-01

Several plasma-sprayed and slurry-coated insulating coating systems were evaluated for structural stability in a low-pressure hot hydrogen environment at a maximum heat flux of 19.6 million watts/sq meter. The heat was provided by an electric-arc plasma generator. The coating systems consisted of a number of thin layers of metal oxides and/or metals. The materials included molybdenum, nichrome, tungsten, alumina, zirconia, and chromia. The study indicates potential usefulness in this environment for some coatings, and points up the need for improved coating application techniques.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Costin, C.; Anita, V.; Ghiorghiu, F.; Popa, G.; De Temmerman, G.; van den Berg, M. A.; Scholten, J.; Brons, S.

2015-02-01

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.

Non-equilibrium synergistic effects in atmospheric pressure plasmas.

PubMed

Guo, Heng; Zhang, Xiao-Ning; Chen, Jian; Li, He-Ping; Ostrikov, Kostya Ken

2018-03-19

Non-equilibrium is one of the important features of an atmospheric gas discharge plasma. It involves complicated physical-chemical processes and plays a key role in various actual plasma processing. In this report, a novel complete non-equilibrium model is developed to reveal the non-equilibrium synergistic effects for the atmospheric-pressure low-temperature plasmas (AP-LTPs). It combines a thermal-chemical non-equilibrium fluid model for the quasi-neutral plasma region and a simplified sheath model for the electrode sheath region. The free-burning argon arc is selected as a model system because both the electrical-thermal-chemical equilibrium and non-equilibrium regions are involved simultaneously in this arc plasma system. The modeling results indicate for the first time that it is the strong and synergistic interactions among the mass, momentum and energy transfer processes that determine the self-consistent non-equilibrium characteristics of the AP-LTPs. An energy transfer process related to the non-uniform spatial distributions of the electron-to-heavy-particle temperature ratio has also been discovered for the first time. It has a significant influence for self-consistently predicting the transition region between the "hot" and "cold" equilibrium regions of an AP-LTP system. The modeling results would provide an instructive guidance for predicting and possibly controlling the non-equilibrium particle-energy transportation process in various AP-LTPs in future.

Laser-induced fluorescence measurements of argon and xenon ion velocities near the sheath boundary in 3 ion species plasmas

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yip, Chi-Shung; Hershkowitz, Noah; Severn, Greg

2016-05-15

The Bohm sheath criterion is studied with laser-induced fluorescence in three ion species plasmas using two tunable diode lasers. Krypton is added to a low pressure unmagnetized DC hot filament discharge in a mixture of argon and xenon gas confined by surface multi-dipole magnetic fields. The argon and xenon ion velocity distribution functions are measured at the sheath-presheath boundary near a negatively biased boundary plate. The potential structures of the plasma sheath and presheath are measured by an emissive probe. Results are compared with previous experiments with Ar–Xe plasmas, where the two ion species were observed to reach the sheathmore » edge at nearly the same speed. This speed was the ion sound speed of the system, which is consistent with the generalized Bohm criterion. In such two ion species plasmas, instability enhanced collisional friction was demonstrated [Hershkowitz et al., Phys. Plasmas 18(5), 057102 (2011).] to exist which accounted for the observed results. When three ion species are present, it is demonstrated under most circumstances the ions do not fall out of the plasma at their individual Bohm velocities. It is also shown that under most circumstances the ions do not fall out of the plasma at the system sound speed. These observations are also consistent with the presence of the instabilities.« less

Sinonasal inflammatory myofibroblastic pseudotumor (plasma cell granuloma).

PubMed

Arpacı, Rabia Bozdoğan; Kara, Tuba; Özyedek, Esen; Serinsöz, Ebru; Vayısoğlu, Yusuf; Özgür, Anıl; Arpacı, Taner; Özcan, Cengiz

2015-01-01

Inflammatory myofibroblastic pseudotumor (plasma cell granuloma) is a soft tissue lesion consisting of myofibroblasts, mature lymphocytes, histiocytes, plasma cells, eosinophils, and extracellular collagen. Various sites in the body may harbor these lesions. Lungs, omentum, intestines, mesentery, and urinary system are the most susceptible areas. It is usually seen in children and young adults. The lesion is rarely detected in the head and neck region. The orbit and the upper respiratory system are the most common localizations in the head and neck region. Sinonasal tract is a rare site of involvement. The differential diagnosis includes squamous cell carcinoma (spindle cell variant), inflammatory fibrosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, schwannoma, and nonspecific inflammation. Our patient who had a sinonasal mass showed a benign tumor consisting of spindle tumor cells and inflammatory cells histopathologically. This case was presented due to its rare existence to this site.

Nonlinear electron-acoustic rogue waves in electron-beam plasma system with non-thermal hot electrons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elwakil, S. A.; El-hanbaly, A. M.; Elgarayh, A.; El-Shewy, E. K.; Kassem, A. I.

2014-11-01

The properties of nonlinear electron-acoustic rogue waves have been investigated in an unmagnetized collisionless four-component plasma system consisting of a cold electron fluid, non-thermal hot electrons obeying a non-thermal distribution, an electron beam and stationary ions. It is found that the basic set of fluid equations is reduced to a nonlinear Schrodinger equation. The dependence of rogue wave profiles on the electron beam and energetic population parameter are discussed. The results of the present investigation may be applicable in auroral zone plasma.

Quasi-two-dimensional complex plasma containing spherical particles and their binary agglomerates.

PubMed

Chaudhuri, M; Semenov, I; Nosenko, V; Thomas, H M

2016-05-01

A unique type of quasi-two-dimensional complex plasma system was observed which consisted of monodisperse microspheres and their binary agglomerations (dimers). The particles and their dimers levitated in a plasma sheath at slightly different heights and formed two distinct sublayers. The system did not crystallize and may be characterized as a disordered solid. The dimers were identified based on their characteristic appearance in defocused images, i.e., rotating interference fringe patterns. The in-plane and interplane particle separations exhibit nonmonotonic dependence on the discharge pressure.

Direct measurement of the impulse in a magnetic thrust chamber system for laser fusion rocket

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Maeno, Akihiro; Yamamoto, Naoji; Nakashima, Hideki

2011-08-15

An experiment is conducted to measure an impulse for demonstrating a magnetic thrust chamber system for laser fusion rocket. The impulse is produced by the interaction between plasma and magnetic field. In the experiment, the system consists of plasma and neodymium permanent magnets. The plasma is created by a single-beam laser aiming at a polystyrene spherical target. The impulse is 1.5 to 2.2 {mu}Ns by means of a pendulum thrust stand, when the laser energy is 0.7 J. Without magnetic field, the measured impulse is found to be zero. These results indicate that the system for generating impulse is working.

Self-consistent chaos in a mean-field Hamiltonian model of fluids and plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

del-Castillo-Negrete, D.; Firpo, Marie-Christine

2002-11-01

We present a mean-field Hamiltonian model that describes the collective dynamics of marginally stable fluids and plasmas. In plasmas, the model describes the self-consistent evolution of electron holes and clumps in phase space. In fluids, the model describes the dynamics of vortices with negative and positive circulation in shear flows. The mean-field nature of the system makes it a tractable model to study the dynamics of large degrees-of-freedom, coupled Hamiltonian systems. Here we focus in the role of self-consistent chaos in the formation and destruction of phase space coherent structures. Numerical simulations in the finite N and in the Narrow kinetic limit (where N is the number of particles) show the existence of coherent, rotating dipole states. We approximate the dipole as two macroparticles, and show that the N = 2 limit has a family of rotating integrable solutions described by a one degree-of-freedom nontwist Hamiltonian. The coherence of the dipole is explained in terms of a parametric resonance between the rotation frequency of the macroparticles and the oscillation frequency of the self-consistent mean field. For a class of initial conditions, the mean field exhibits a self-consistent, elliptic-hyperbolic bifurcation that leads to the destruction of the dipole and violent mixing of the phase space.

First measurement of time evolution of electron temperature profiles with Nd:YAG Thomson scattering system on Heliotron J.

PubMed

Kenmochi, N; Minami, T; Takahashi, C; Tei, S; Mizuuchi, T; Kobayashi, S; Nagasaki, K; Nakamura, Y; Okada, H; Kado, S; Yamamoto, S; Ohshima, S; Konoshima, S; Shi, N; Zang, L; Ohtani, Y; Kasajima, K; Sano, F

2014-11-01

A Nd:YAG Thomson scattering system has been developed for Heliotron J. The system consists of two 550 mJ 50 Hz lasers, large collection optics, and 25 radial channel (∼1 cm spatial resolution) interference polychromators. This measurement system achieves a S/N ratio of ∼50 for low-density plasma (ne ∼ 0.5 × 10(19) m(-3)). A time evolution of electron temperature profiles was measured with this system for a high-intensity gas-puff (HIGP) fueling neutral-beam-injection plasma. The peripheral temperature of the higher-density phase after HIGP recovers to the low-density pre-HIGP level, suggesting that improving particle transport in the HIGP plasma may be possible.

The concept of coupling impedance in the self-consistent plasma wake field excitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fedele, R.; Akhter, T.; De Nicola, S.; Migliorati, M.; Marocchino, A.; Massimo, F.; Palumbo, L.

2016-09-01

Within the framework of the Vlasov-Maxwell system of equations, we describe the self-consistent interaction of a relativistic charged-particle beam with the surroundings while propagating through a plasma-based acceleration device. This is done in terms of the concept of coupling (longitudinal) impedance in full analogy with the conventional accelerators. It is shown that also here the coupling impedance is a very useful tool for the Nyquist-type stability analysis. Examples of specific physical situations are finally illustrated.

The effects of rival seminal plasma on sperm velocity in the alternative reproductive tactics of Chinook salmon.

PubMed

Lewis, Jason A; Pitcher, Trevor E

2017-04-01

Sperm competition is prevalent and intense in many animal mating systems, and is a major force driving evolution of such mating systems. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of seminal plasma on sperm velocity of male Chinook salmon (Onchorhynchus tshawytscha), which possesses a mating system with male alternative reproductive tactics and intense sperm competition. Male Chinook salmon either adopt a small, precocious sneaking tactic (jack) or a large, dominant tactic (hooknose). To test whether the seminal plasma can effect sperm velocity amongst sperm competitors, two experiments were done whereby males were paired based upon the alternative tactic each male adopted, with the first experiment consisting of jack-hooknose pairs (N = 16) and the second experiment consisting of jack-jack and hooknose-hooknose pairs (N = 12 and 14, respectively). Within each pair, milt of each male was manipulated such that seminal plasma was removed and swapped between the males in each pair and sperm velocity was measured. Jack seminal plasma caused a significant decrease (∼11.9%) in hooknose sperm velocity while causing a significant increase in jack sperm velocity (∼7%), while alternatively, hooknose seminal plasma had no affect on sperm velocity of jack or other hooknose males. This study shows that rival seminal plasma may affect the outcome of sperm competition between males; males adopting a sneaking tactic, that spawn in a disadvantageous mating position, may be able to compensate for this deficit by being more competitive through the effects of their seminal plasma on their competitor's sperm velocity. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Electromagnetic-wave propagation in unmagnetized plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gregoire, D. J.; Santoru, J.; Schumacher, R. W.

1992-03-01

This final report describes an investigation of electromagnetic-wave propagation in unmagnetized plasmas and its application to the reduction of the radar cross section (RCS) of a plasma-filled enclosure. We have demonstrated RCS reduction of 20 to 25 dB with a prototype system at the radar range at Hughes Aircraft's Microwave Products Division in Torrance. The prototype consists of a sealed ceramic enclosure with a microwave reflector and a plasma generator inside it. When the plasma is present, the RCS is significantly reduced over a frequency range of 4 to 14 GHz. As part of the program, we also investigated the basic-plasma-physics issues relating to the absorption and refraction of electromagnetic (EM) waves in collisional plasmas. We demonstrated absorption as high as 63 dB in a section of plasma-loaded C-band rectangular waveguide. We also developed a theoretical model for the plasma cloaking process that includes scattering contributions from the plasma-vacuum interface, partial reflections from the plasma, and collisional absorption in the plasma. The theoretical model is found to be in reasonable agreement with the experimental results and can be used to confidently design future plasma cloaking systems.

Ideal gas behavior of a strongly coupled complex (dusty) plasma.

PubMed

Oxtoby, Neil P; Griffith, Elias J; Durniak, Céline; Ralph, Jason F; Samsonov, Dmitry

2013-07-05

In a laboratory, a two-dimensional complex (dusty) plasma consists of a low-density ionized gas containing a confined suspension of Yukawa-coupled plastic microspheres. For an initial crystal-like form, we report ideal gas behavior in this strongly coupled system during shock-wave experiments. This evidence supports the use of the ideal gas law as the equation of state for soft crystals such as those formed by dusty plasmas.

Paradigm shifts in plasma processing and application of fundamental kinetics to problems targeting 5 nm technology device technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Lee

2016-09-01

It is often said that semiconductor technology is approaching the end of scaling. While fundamental device limits do approach, plasma etching has been doing the heavy lifting to supplement the basic limits in lithography. RF plasmas, pulsing in many forms, diffusion plasmas are but a few of the important developments over the last 20 years that have succeeded in the seemingly impossible tasks. The commonality of these plasmas is being self-consistent: their near-Boltzmann EEDf maintains ionization with its tail while providing charge-balance with its Te . To control the plasma chemistry is to control its EEDf; the entanglement of ionization with charge-balance in self-consistent plasmas places a constraint on the decoupling of plasma chemistry from ionization. Example like DC/RF parallel-plate hybridizes stochastic heating with DC-cathode injected e- -beam. While such arrangement offers some level of decoupling, it raised more questions than what it helped answered along the lines of beam-plasma instabilities, bounce-resonance ionization, etc. Pure e- -beam plasmas could be a drastic departure from the self-consistent plasmas. Examples like the NRL e- -beam system and the more recent TEL NEP (Nonambipolar e- Plasma) show strong decoupling of Te from ionization but it is almost certain, many more questions lurk: the functions connecting collisional relaxation with instabilities, the channels causing the dissociation of large fluorocarbons (controlling the ion-to- radical ratio), the production of the damaging deep UV in e- -beam plasmas, etc., and the list goes on. IADf is one factor on feature-profile and IEDf determines the surgical surface-excitation governing the selectivity, and both functions have Ti as the origin; what controls the e- -beam plasmas' Ti ? RF-bias has served well in applications requiring energetic excitation but, are there ways to improve the IEDf tightness? What are the adverse side-effects of ``improved IEDf''? Decades ago an infant RF-plasma was thrown into the dry-etch arena and it hit the ground running with much of the understandings as after the facts. While the etching industry enjoys the heavy lifting by the successful self-consistent plasmas, perhaps time can be used on front-loaded soul searching of the ``maybe needed'' plasmas, for the future etching needs.

First measurement of time evolution of electron temperature profiles with Nd:YAG Thomson scattering system on Heliotron J

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kenmochi, N., E-mail: kemmchi.naoki.62r@st.kyoto-u.ac.jp; Tei, S.; Zang, L.

2014-11-15

A Nd:YAG Thomson scattering system has been developed for Heliotron J. The system consists of two 550 mJ 50 Hz lasers, large collection optics, and 25 radial channel (∼1 cm spatial resolution) interference polychromators. This measurement system achieves a S/N ratio of ∼50 for low-density plasma (n{sub e} ∼ 0.5 × 10{sup 19} m{sup −3}). A time evolution of electron temperature profiles was measured with this system for a high-intensity gas-puff (HIGP) fueling neutral-beam-injection plasma. The peripheral temperature of the higher-density phase after HIGP recovers to the low-density pre-HIGP level, suggesting that improving particle transport in the HIGP plasma maymore » be possible.« less

Multi-spark discharge system for preparation of nutritious water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakaso, Tetsushi; Harigai, Toru; Kusumawan, Sholihatta Aziz; Shimomura, Tomoya; Tanimoto, Tsuyoshi; Suda, Yoshiyuki; Takikawa, Hirofumi

2018-01-01

The nitrogen compound concentration in water is increased by atmospheric-pressure plasma discharge treatment. A rod-to-water electrode discharge treatment system using plasma discharge has been developed by our group to obtain water with a high concentration of nitrogen compounds, and this plasma-treated water improves the growth of chrysanthemum roots. However, it is difficult to apply the system to the agriculture because the amount of treated water obtained by using the system too small. In this study, a multi-spark discharge system (MSDS) equipped multiple spark plugs is presented to obtain a large amount of plasma-treated water. The MSDS consisted of inexpensive parts in order to reduce the system introduction cost for agriculture. To suppress the temperature increase of the spark plugs, the 9 spark plugs were divided into 3 groups, which were discharged in order. The plasma-treated water with a NO3- concentration of 50 mg/L was prepared using the MSDS for 90 min, and the treatment efficiency was about 6 times higher than that of our previous system. It was confirmed that the NO2-, O3, and H2O2 concentrations in the water were also increased by treating the water using the MSDS.

Hot Flow Anomalies at Venus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Collinson, G. A.; Sibeck, David Gary; Boardsen, Scott A.; Moore, Tom; Barabash, S.; Masters, A.; Shane, N.; Slavin, J.A.; Coates, A.J.; Zhang, T. L.;

First experimental studies of ion flow in 3 ion species plasmas at the presheath-sheath transition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Severn, Greg

2016-09-01

The Bohm sheath criterion is studied with laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) in three ion species plasmas using two tunable diode lasers. KrI or HeI is added to a low pressure unmagnetized dc hot filament discharge in a mixture of argon and xenon gas confined by surface multi-dipole magnetic fields. The argon and xenon ion velocity distribution functions are measured at the sheath-presheath boundary near a negatively biased boundary plate. The potential structures of the plasma sheath and presheath are measured by an emissive probe. Results are compared with previous experiments with Ar-Xe plasmas, where the two ion species were observed to reach the sheath edge at nearly the same speed. This speed was the ion sound speed of the system, which is consistent with the generalized Bohm criterion. In such two ion species plasmas instability enhanced collisional friction (IEF) was demonstrated to exist which accounted for the observed results. When three ion species are present, it is demonstrated under most circumstances the ions do not fall out of the plasma at their individual Bohm velocities. It is also shown that under most circumstances the ions do not fall out of the plasma at the system sound speed. Results are consistent with the presence of instabilities. Author gratefully acknowledges collaborators Dr. Noah Hershkowtiz, Dr. Chi-Shung Yip, Dept. of Engineering Physics, Univ. Wisconsin-Madison, and Dr. Scott Baalrud, Dept. Physics, Univ. Iowa. Thanks to US DOE, grant DE-SC00014226.

On the generation of cnoidal waves in ion beam-dusty plasma containing superthermal electrons and ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Bedwehy, N. A.

2016-07-01

The reductive perturbation technique is used for investigating an ion beam-dusty plasma system consisting of two opposite polarity dusty grains, and superthermal electrons and ions in addition to ion beam. A two-dimensional Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation is derived. The solution of this equation, employing Painlevé analysis, leads to cnoidal waves. The dependence of the structural features of these waves on the physical plasma parameters is investigated.

On the generation of cnoidal waves in ion beam-dusty plasma containing superthermal electrons and ions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

El-Bedwehy, N. A., E-mail: nab-elbedwehy@yahoo.com

2016-07-15

The reductive perturbation technique is used for investigating an ion beam-dusty plasma system consisting of two opposite polarity dusty grains, and superthermal electrons and ions in addition to ion beam. A two-dimensional Kadomtsev–Petviashvili equation is derived. The solution of this equation, employing Painlevé analysis, leads to cnoidal waves. The dependence of the structural features of these waves on the physical plasma parameters is investigated.

Design of a portable optical emission tomography system for microwave induced compact plasma for visible to near-infrared emission lines

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rathore, Kavita, E-mail: kavira@iitk.ac.in, E-mail: pmunshi@iitk.ac.in, E-mail: sudeepb@iitk.ac.in; Munshi, Prabhat, E-mail: kavira@iitk.ac.in, E-mail: pmunshi@iitk.ac.in, E-mail: sudeepb@iitk.ac.in; Bhattacharjee, Sudeep, E-mail: kavira@iitk.ac.in, E-mail: pmunshi@iitk.ac.in, E-mail: sudeepb@iitk.ac.in

A new non-invasive diagnostic system is developed for Microwave Induced Plasma (MIP) to reconstruct tomographic images of a 2D emission profile. A compact MIP system has wide application in industry as well as research application such as thrusters for space propulsion, high current ion beams, and creation of negative ions for heating of fusion plasma. Emission profile depends on two crucial parameters, namely, the electron temperature and density (over the entire spatial extent) of the plasma system. Emission tomography provides basic understanding of plasmas and it is very useful to monitor internal structure of plasma phenomena without disturbing its actualmore » processes. This paper presents development of a compact, modular, and versatile Optical Emission Tomography (OET) tool for a cylindrical, magnetically confined MIP system. It has eight slit-hole cameras and each consisting of a complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor linear image sensor for light detection. The optical noise is reduced by using aspheric lens and interference band-pass filters in each camera. The entire cylindrical plasma can be scanned with automated sliding ring mechanism arranged in fan-beam data collection geometry. The design of the camera includes a unique possibility to incorporate different filters to get the particular wavelength light from the plasma. This OET system includes selected band-pass filters for particular argon emission 750 nm, 772 nm, and 811 nm lines and hydrogen emission H{sub α} (656 nm) and H{sub β} (486 nm) lines. Convolution back projection algorithm is used to obtain the tomographic images of plasma emission line. The paper mainly focuses on (a) design of OET system in detail and (b) study of emission profile for 750 nm argon emission lines to validate the system design.« less

Two-Dimensional Self-Consistent Radio Frequency Plasma Simulations Relevant to the Gaseous Electronics Conference RF Reference Cell

PubMed Central

Lymberopoulos, Dimitris P.; Economou, Demetre J.

1995-01-01

Over the past few years multidimensional self-consistent plasma simulations including complex chemistry have been developed which are promising tools for furthering our understanding of reactive gas plasmas and for reactor design and optimization. These simulations must be benchmarked against experimental data obtained in well-characterized systems such as the Gaseous Electronics Conference (GEC) reference cell. Two-dimensional simulations relevant to the GEC Cell are reviewed in this paper with emphasis on fluid simulations. Important features observed experimentally, such as off-axis maxima in the charge density and hot spots of metastable species density near the electrode edges in capacitively-coupled GEC cells, have been captured by these simulations. PMID:29151756

Electro-mechanical probe positioning system for large volume plasma device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanyasi, A. K.; Sugandhi, R.; Srivastava, P. K.; Srivastav, Prabhakar; Awasthi, L. M.

2018-05-01

An automated electro-mechanical system for the positioning of plasma diagnostics has been designed and implemented in a Large Volume Plasma Device (LVPD). The system consists of 12 electro-mechanical assemblies, which are orchestrated using the Modbus communication protocol on 4-wire RS485 communications to meet the experimental requirements. Each assembly has a lead screw-based mechanical structure, Wilson feed-through-based vacuum interface, bipolar stepper motor, micro-controller-based stepper drive, and optical encoder for online positioning correction of probes. The novelty of the system lies in the orchestration of multiple drives on a single interface, fabrication and installation of the system for a large experimental device like the LVPD, in-house developed software, and adopted architectural practices. The paper discusses the design, description of hardware and software interfaces, and performance results in LVPD.

Measurement of the thermal effects in the dispersion relation of the dust acoustic wave

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoyng, Joshua; Williams, Jeremiah

2017-10-01

A complex (dusty) plasma is a four-component plasma system composed of ions, electrons, neutral particles and charged microparticles. The charged microparticles interact with, and self- consistently modify, the surrounding plasma medium; resulting in a new and unique state of matter that can support a wide range of physical phenomena. Among these is a new wave mode known as the dust acoustic, or dust density, wave (DAW). The DAW is a low- frequency, longitudinal mode that propagates through the microparticle component of the dusty plasma system and is self-excited by the energy from the ions streaming through this component. Over the past twenty years, the dust acoustic wave has been a subject of intense study and recent studies have shown that thermal effects can, in some cases, have a significant role in the measured dispersion relation. A recent theoretical model suggest that the thermal effects are, in part, due to the finite size of the dusty plasma systems that support this wave mode. In this poster, we report the results of an experimental study examining this effect over a range of experimental conditions in a weakly-coupled dusty plasma system in an rf discharge plasma. This work is supported by US National Science Foundation through Grant No. PHY-1615420.

Global Proteomic Analysis Reveals an Exclusive Role of Thylakoid Membranes in Bioenergetics of a Model Cyanobacterium

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liberton, Michelle; Saha, Rajib; Jacobs, Jon M.

2016-04-07

Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic microbes with highly differentiated membrane systems. These organisms contain an outer membrane, plasma membrane, and an internal system of thylakoid membranes where the photosynthetic and respiratory machinery are found. This existence of compartmentalization and differentiation of membrane systems poses a number of challenges for cyanobacterial cells in terms of organization and distribution of proteins to the correct membrane system. Proteomics studies have long sought to identify the components of the different membrane systems, and to date about 450 different proteins have been attributed to either the plasma membrane or thylakoid membrane. Given the complexity of these membranes,more » many more proteins remain to be identified in these membrane systems, and a comprehensive catalog of plasma membrane and thylakoid membrane proteins is needed. Here we describe the identification of 635 proteins in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 by quantitative iTRAQ isobaric labeling; of these, 459 proteins were localized to the plasma membrane and 176 were localized to the thylakoid membrane. Surprisingly, we found over 2.5 times the number of unique proteins identified in the plasma membrane compared to the thylakoid membrane. This suggests that the protein composition of the thylakoid membrane is more homogeneous than the plasma membrane, consistent with the role of the plasma membrane in diverse cellular processes including protein trafficking and nutrient import, compared to a more specialized role for the thylakoid membrane in cellular energetics. Overall, the protein composition of the Synechocystis 6803 plasma membrane and thylakoid membrane is quite similar to the E.coli plasma membrane and Arabidopsis thylakoid membrane, respectively. Synechocystis 6803 can therefore be described as a gram-negative bacterium that has an additional internal membrane system that fulfils the energetic requirements of the cell.« less

Solar electric propulsion thruster interactions with solar arrays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parks, D. E.; Katz, I.

1977-01-01

The effect of interactions of spacecraft-generated and naturally occurring plasmas with high voltage solar array components on an advanced solar electric propulsion system proposed for the Halley's Comet rendezvous mission was investigated. The spacecraft-generated plasma consists of mercury ions and neutralizing electrons resulting from the operation of ion thrusters (the charge-exchange plasma) and associated hollow cathode neutralizers. Quantitative results are given for the parasitic currents and power coupled into solar arrays with voltage fixed as a function of position on the array.

Plasma sprayed ceramic thermal barrier coating for NiAl-based intermetallic alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, Robert A. (Inventor); Doychak, Joseph (Inventor)

1994-01-01

A thermal barrier coating system consists of two layers of a zirconia-yttria ceramic. The first layer is applied by low pressure plasma spraying. The second layer is applied by conventional atmospheric pressure plasma spraying. This facilitates the attachment of a durable thermally insulating ceramic coating directly to the surface of a highly oxidation resistant NiAl-based intermetallic alloy after the alloy has been preoxidized to promote the formation of a desirable Al2O3 scale.

Antimicrobial outcomes in plasma medicine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryan, Thomas P.; Stalder, Kenneth R.; Woloszko, Jean

2015-03-01

Plasma is referred to as the fourth state of matter and is frequently generated in the environment of a strong electric field. The result consists of highly reactive species--ions, electrons, reactive atoms and molecules, and UV radiation. Plasma Medicine unites a number of fields, including Physics, Plasma Chemistry, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, and Medicine. The treatment modality utilizes Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP), which is able to sterilize and treat microbes in a nonthermal manner. These gas-based plasma systems operate at close to room temperature and atmospheric pressure, making them very practical for a range of potential treatments and are highly portable for clinical use throughout the health care system. The hypothesis is that gas based plasma kills bacteria, fungus, and viruses but spares mammalian cells. This paper will review systematic work which shows examples of systems and performance in regards to antimicrobial effects and the sparing of mammalian cells. The mechanism of action will be discussed, as well as dosing for the treatment of microbial targets, including sterilization processes, another important healthcare need. In addition, commercial systems will be overviewed and compared, along with evidence-based, patient results. The range of treatments cover wound treatment and biofilms, as well as antimicrobial treatment, with little chance for resistance and tolerance, as in drug regimens. Current clinical studies include applications in dentistry, food treatment, cancer treatment, wound treatment for bacteria and biofilms, and systems to combat health care related infections.

Point Source X-Ray Lithography System for Sub-0.15 Micron Design Rules

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-05-22

consist of a SAL developed stepper, an SRL developed Dense Plasma Focus , (DPF), X-Ray source, and a CXrL developed beam line. The system will be...existing machine that used spark gap switching, SRL has developed an all solid state driver and improved head electrode assembly for their dense plasma ... focus X-Ray source. Likewise, SAL has used their existing Model 4 stepper installed at CXrL as a design starting point, and has developed an advanced

Relativistic electromagnetic waves in an electron-ion plasma

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chian, Abraham C.-L.; Kennel, Charles F.

1987-01-01

High power laser beams can drive plasma particles to relativistic energies. An accurate description of strong waves requires the inclusion of ion dynamics in the analysis. The equations governing the propagation of relativistic electromagnetic waves in a cold electron-ion plasma can be reduced to two equations expressing conservation of energy-momentum of the system. The two conservation constants are functions of the plasma stream velocity, the wave velocity, the wave amplitude, and the electron-ion mass ratio. The dynamic parameter, expressing electron-ion momentum conversation in the laboratory frame, can be regarded as an adjustable quantity, a suitable choice of which will yield self-consistent solutions when other plasma parameters were specified. Circularly polarized electromagnetic waves and electrostatic plasma waves are used as illustrations.

Magnetized Target Fusion Propulsion: Plasma Injectors for MTF Guns

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Griffin, Steven T.

2003-01-01

To achieve increased payload size and decreased trip time for interplanetary travel, a low mass, high specific impulse, high thrust propulsion system is required. This suggests the need for research into fusion as a source of power and high temperature plasma. The plasma would be deflected by magnetic fields to provide thrust. Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) research consists of several related investigations into these topics. These include the orientation and timing of the plasma guns and the convergence and interface development of the "pusher" plasma. Computer simulations of the gun as it relates to plasma initiation and repeatability are under investigation. One of the items under development is the plasma injector. This is a surface breakdown driven plasma generator designed to function at very low pressures. The performance, operating conditions and limitations of these injectors need to be determined.

Demonstration of Plasma Arc Environmental Technology Applications for the Demilitrization of DOD Stockpiles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Ed; Dee, P. E.; Zaghloul, Hany; Filius, Krag; Rivers, Tim

2000-01-01

Since 1989 the US Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratories (USACERL) have been active participants in the research and development towards establishing Plasma Arc Technology (PAT) as an efficient, economical, and safe hazardous waste immobilization tool. A plasma torch capable of generating high temperatures makes this technology a viable and powerful tool for the thermal destruction of various military industrial waste streams into an innocuous ceramic material no longer requiring hazardous waste landfill disposal. The emerging plasma environmental thermal treatment process has been used to safely and efficiently meet the waste disposal needs for various demilitarized components disposal needs, such as: (1) pyrotechnic smoke assemblies, (2) thermal batteries, (3) proximity fuses, (4) cartridge actuated devices (CADs), and (5) propellant actuated devices (PADs). MSE Technology Applications, Inc., (MSE) has proposed and fabricated a Mobile Plasma Treatment System to be a technology demonstrator for pilotscale mobile plasma waste processing. The system is capable of providing small-scale waste remediation services, and conducting waste stream applicability demonstrations. The Mobile Plasma Treatment System's innovative concept provides the flexibility to treat waste streams at numerous sites and sites with only a limited quantity of waste, yet too hazardous to transport to a regional fixed facility. The system was designed to be operated as skid mounted modules; consisting of a furnace module, controls module, offgas module, and ancillary systems module. All system components have been integrated to be operated from a single control station with both semi-continuous feeding and batch slag-pouring capability.

A compact and continuously driven supersonic plasma and neutral source.

PubMed

Asai, T; Itagaki, H; Numasawa, H; Terashima, Y; Hirano, Y; Hirose, A

2010-10-01

A compact and repetitively driven plasma source has been developed by utilizing a magnetized coaxial plasma gun (MCPG) for diagnostics requiring deep penetration of a large amount of neutral flux. The system consists of a MCPG 95mm in length with a DN16 ConFlat connection port and an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) inverter power unit. The power supply consists of an array of eight IGBT units and is able to switch the discharge on and off at up to 10 kV and 600 A with a maximum repetitive frequency of 10 kHz. Multiple short duration discharge pulses maximize acceleration efficiency of the plasmoid. In the case of a 10 kHz operating frequency, helium-plasmoids in the velocity range of 20 km/s can be achieved.

Paul trap simulator experiment to model intense-beam propagation in alternating-gradient transport systems.

PubMed

Gilson, Erik P; Davidson, Ronald C; Efthimion, Philip C; Majeski, Richard

2004-04-16

The results presented here demonstrate that the Paul trap simulator experiment (PTSX) simulates the propagation of intense charged particle beams over distances of many kilometers through magnetic alternating-gradient (AG) transport systems by making use of the similarity between the transverse dynamics of particles in the two systems. Plasmas have been trapped that correspond to normalized intensity parameters s=omega(2)(p)(0)/2omega(2)(q)

Optimal Quasi-steady Plasma Thruster system characteristics.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ludwig, D. E.; Kelly, A. J.

1972-01-01

The overall characteristics of a generalized Quasi-steady Plasma Thruster (QPT) system consisting of thruster head, power conditioning network, propellant supply subsystem are studied. Energy balance equations for the system are coupled with component mass relationships in order to determine overall system mass and performance. Power supply power levels varying from 100 to 10,000 watts with thruster power levels ranging from 300 kw to 30 Mw employing argon as the propellant are considered. The manner in which overall system mass, average thrust, and burn time vary as a function power supply power level, quasi-steady power level, and pulse time are studied. Results indicate the existence of optimum pulse times when system mass is employed as an optimization criterion.

A tandem mirror hybrid plume plasma propulsion facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chang-Diaz, F. R.; Yang, T. F.; Krueger, W. A.; Peng, S.; Urbahn, J.; Yao, X.; Griffin, D.

1988-01-01

A concept in electrodeless plasma propulsion, which is also capable of delivering a variable Isp, is presented. The concept involves a three-stage system of plasma injection, heating, and subsequent ejection through a magnetic nozzle. The nozzle produces the hybrid plume by the coaxial injection of hypersonic neutral gas. The gas layer, thus formed, protects the material walls from the hot plasma and, through increased collisions, helps detach it from the diverging magnetic field. The physics of this concept is evaluated numerically through full spatial and temporal simulations; these explore the operating characteristics of such a device over a wide region of parameter space. An experimental facility to study the plasma dynamics in the hybrid plume was built. The device consists of a tandem mirror operating in an asymmetric mode. A later upgrade of this system will incorporate a cold plasma injector at one end of the machine. Initial experiments involve the full characterization of the operating envelope, as well as extensive measurements of plasma properties at the exhaust. The results of the numerical simulations are described.

Data management software concept for WEST plasma measurement system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zienkiewicz, P.; Kasprowicz, G.; Byszuk, A.; Wojeński, A.; Kolasinski, P.; Cieszewski, R.; Czarski, T.; Chernyshova, M.; Pozniak, K.; Zabolotny, W.; Juszczyk, B.; Mazon, D.; Malard, P.

2014-11-01

This paper describes the concept of data management software for the multichannel readout system for the GEM detector used in WEST Plasma experiment. The proposed system consists of three separate communication channels: fast data channel, diagnostics channel, slow data channel. Fast data channel is provided by the FPGA with integrated ARM cores providing direct readout data from Analog Front Ends through 10GbE with short, guaranteed intervals. Slow data channel is provided by multiple, fast CPUs after data processing with detailed readout data with use of GNU/Linux OS and appropriate software. Diagnostic channel provides detailed feedback for control purposes.

Emission spectroscopy of an atmospheric pressure plasma jet operated with air at low frequency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giuliani, L.; Gallego, J. L.; Minotti, F.; Kelly, H.; Grondona, D.

2015-03-01

Low-temperature, high-pressure plasma jets have an extensive use in plasma biology and plasma medicine, such as pathogen deactivation, wound disinfection, stopping of bleeding without damage of healthy tissue, acceleration of wound healing, control of bio-film proliferation, etc. In this work, a spectroscopic characterization of a typical plasma jet, operated in air at atmospheric pressure, is reported. Within the spectrum of wavelengths from 200 to 450 nm all remarkable emissions of N2 were monitored. Spectra of the N2 2nd positive system (C3Πu-B3Πg) emitted in air are the most convenient for plasma diagnostics, since they enable to determine electronic Te, rotational Tr and vibrational Tv temperatures by fitting the experimental spectra with the simulated ones. We used SPECAIR software for spectral simulation and obtained the best fit with all these temperatures about 3500K. The conclusion that all temperatures are equal, and its relatively high value, is consistent with the results of a previous work, where it was found that the experimentally determined electrical characteristic was consistent with the model of a thermal arc discharge, together with a highly collisional cathode sheet.

First results of coupled IPS/NIMROD/GENRAY simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jenkins, Thomas; Kruger, S. E.; Held, E. D.; Harvey, R. W.; Elwasif, W. R.; Schnack, D. D.

2010-11-01

The Integrated Plasma Simulator (IPS) framework, developed by the SWIM Project Team, facilitates self-consistent simulations of complicated plasma behavior via the coupling of various codes modeling different spatial/temporal scales in the plasma. Here, we apply this capability to investigate the stabilization of tearing modes by ECCD. Under IPS control, the NIMROD code (MHD) evolves fluid equations to model bulk plasma behavior, while the GENRAY code (RF) calculates the self-consistent propagation and deposition of RF power in the resulting plasma profiles. GENRAY data is then used to construct moments of the quasilinear diffusion tensor (induced by the RF) which influence the dynamics of momentum/energy evolution in NIMROD's equations. We present initial results from these coupled simulations and demonstrate that they correctly capture the physics of magnetic island stabilization [Jenkins et al, PoP 17, 012502 (2010)] in the low-beta limit. We also discuss the process of code verification in these simulations, demonstrating good agreement between NIMROD and GENRAY predictions for the flux-surface-averaged, RF-induced currents. An overview of ongoing model development (synthetic diagnostics/plasma control systems; neoclassical effects; etc.) is also presented. Funded by US DoE.

Current-Voltage and Floating-Potential characteristics of cylindrical emissive probes from a full-kinetic model based on the orbital motion theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xin; Sánchez-Arriaga, Gonzalo

2018-02-01

To model the sheath structure around an emissive probe with cylindrical geometry, the Orbital-Motion theory takes advantage of three conserved quantities (distribution function, transverse energy, and angular momentum) to transform the stationary Vlasov-Poisson system into a single integro-differential equation. For a stationary collisionless unmagnetized plasma, this equation describes self-consistently the probe characteristics. By solving such an equation numerically, parametric analyses for the current-voltage (IV) and floating-potential (FP) characteristics can be performed, which show that: (a) for strong emission, the space-charge effects increase with probe radius; (b) the probe can float at a positive potential relative to the plasma; (c) a smaller probe radius is preferred for the FP method to determine the plasma potential; (d) the work function of the emitting material and the plasma-ion properties do not influence the reliability of the floating-potential method. Analytical analysis demonstrates that the inflection point of an IV curve for non-emitting probes occurs at the plasma potential. The flat potential is not a self-consistent solution for emissive probes.

Vlasov Simulation of Electrostatic Solitary Structures in Multi-Component Plasmas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Umeda, Takayuki; Ashour-Abdalla, Maha; Pickett, Jolene S.; Goldstein, Melvyn L.

2012-01-01

Electrostatic solitary structures have been observed in the Earth's magnetosheath by the Cluster spacecraft. Recent theoretical work has suggested that these solitary structures are modeled by electron acoustic solitary waves existing in a four-component plasma system consisting of core electrons, two counter-streaming electron beams, and one species of background ions. In this paper, the excitation of electron acoustic waves and the formation of solitary structures are studied by means of a one-dimensional electrostatic Vlasov simulation. The present result first shows that either electron acoustic solitary waves with negative potential or electron phase-space holes with positive potential are excited in four-component plasma systems. However, these electrostatic solitary structures have longer duration times and higher wave amplitudes than the solitary structures observed in the magnetosheath. The result indicates that a high-speed and small free energy source may be needed as a fifth component. An additional simulation of a five-component plasma consisting of a stable four-component plasma and a weak electron beam shows the generation of small and fast electron phase-space holes by the bump-on-tail instability. The physical properties of the small and fast electron phase-space holes are very similar to those obtained by the previous theoretical analysis. The amplitude and duration time of solitary structures in the simulation are also in agreement with the Cluster observation.

Controlling marginally detached divertor plasmas

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Eldon, David; Kolemen, Egemen; Barton, Joseph L.

A new control system at DIII-D has stabilized the inter-ELM detached divertor plasma state for H-mode in close proximity to the threshold for reattachment, thus demonstrating the ability to maintain detachment with minimal gas puffing. When the same control system was instead ordered to hold the plasma at the threshold (here defined as T e = 5 eV near the divertor target plate), the resulting T e profiles separated into two groups with one group consistent with marginal detachment, and the other with marginal attachment. The plasma dithers between the attached and detached states when the control system attempts to hold at the threshold. The control system is upgraded from the one described in and it handles ELMing plasmas by using real time D α measurements to remove during-ELM slices from real time T e measurements derived from divertor Thomson scattering. The difference between measured and requested inter-ELM T e is passed to a PID (proportionalintegral-derivative) controller to determine gas puff commands. While some degree of detachment is essential for the health of ITER’s divertor, more deeply detached plasmas have greater radiative losses and, at the extreme, confinement degradation, making it desirable to limit detachment to the minimum level needed to protect the target plate. However, the observed bifurcation in plasma conditions at the outer strike point with the ion B ×more » $$\

Controlling marginally detached divertor plasmas

DOE PAGES

Eldon, David; Kolemen, Egemen; Barton, Joseph L.; ...

2017-05-04

A new control system at DIII-D has stabilized the inter-ELM detached divertor plasma state for H-mode in close proximity to the threshold for reattachment, thus demonstrating the ability to maintain detachment with minimal gas puffing. When the same control system was instead ordered to hold the plasma at the threshold (here defined as T e = 5 eV near the divertor target plate), the resulting T e profiles separated into two groups with one group consistent with marginal detachment, and the other with marginal attachment. The plasma dithers between the attached and detached states when the control system attempts to hold at the threshold. The control system is upgraded from the one described in and it handles ELMing plasmas by using real time D α measurements to remove during-ELM slices from real time T e measurements derived from divertor Thomson scattering. The difference between measured and requested inter-ELM T e is passed to a PID (proportionalintegral-derivative) controller to determine gas puff commands. While some degree of detachment is essential for the health of ITER’s divertor, more deeply detached plasmas have greater radiative losses and, at the extreme, confinement degradation, making it desirable to limit detachment to the minimum level needed to protect the target plate. However, the observed bifurcation in plasma conditions at the outer strike point with the ion B ×more » $$\

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Brady, P.; Ditmire, T.; Horton, W.

Magnetosphere-solar wind interactions are simulated in a laboratory setting with a small permanent magnet driven by two types of supersonic plasma wind sources. The first higher speed, shorter duration plasma wind is from a laser blow-off plasma while the second longer duration, lower speed plasma wind is produced with a capacitor discharge driven coaxial electrode creating plasma jets. The stand off distance of the solar wind from the magnetosphere was measured to be 1.7{+-}0.3 cm for the laser-produced plasma experiment and 0.87{+-}0.03 cm for the coaxial electrode plasma experiment. The stand off distance of the plasma was calculated using datamore » from HYADES[J. T. Larsen and S. M. Lane, J. Quant. Spectrosc. Radiat. Transf. 51, 179 (1994)] as 1.46{+-}0.02 cm for the laser-produced plasma, and estimated for the coaxial plasma jet as r{sub mp}=0.72{+-}0.07 cm. Plasma build up on the poles of the magnets, consistent with magnetosphere systems, was also observed.« less

Current-limited electron beam injection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stenzel, R. L.

1977-01-01

The injection of an electron beam into a weakly collisional, magnetized background plasma was investigated experimentally. The injected beam was energetic and cold, the background plasma was initially isothermal. Beam and plasma dimensions were so large that the system was considered unbounded. The temporal and spatial evolution of the beam-plasma system was dominated by collective effects. High-frequency electrostatic instabilities rapidly thermalized the beam and heated the background electrons. The injected beam current was balanced by a return current consisting of background electrons drifting toward the beam source. The drift between electrons and ions gave rise to an ion acoustic instability which developed into strong three-dimensional turbulence. It was shown that the injected beam current was limited by the return current which is approximately given by the electron saturation current. Non-Maxwellian electron distribution functions were observed.

A Signature of Self-Organized Criticality in the HT-6M Edge Plasma Turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Wen-Hao; Yu, Chang-Xuan; Wen, Yi-Zhi; Xu, Yu-Hong; Ling, Bi-Li; Gong, Xian-Zu; Liu, Bao-Hua; Wan, Bao-Nian

2001-03-01

Power spectra of electron density and floating potential fluctuations in the velocity shear layer of the HT-6M edge region have been measured and analysed. All the spectra have three distinct frequency regions with the spectral decay indices typical of self-organized criticality systems (0, -1 and -4) when Doppler shift effects induced by the plasma E×B flow velocity have been taken into account. These results are consistent with the predictions of the self-organized criticality models, which may be an indication of edge plasma turbulence in the HT-6M tokamak evolving into a critical state independent of local plasma parameters.

Progress and plan of KSTAR plasma control system upgrade

DOE PAGES

Hahn, Sang-hee; Kim, Y. J.; Penaflor, B. G.; ...

2016-06-01

The plasma control system (PCS) has been one of essential systems in annual KSTAR plasma campaigns: starting from a single-process version in 2008, extensive upgrades are done through the previous 7 years in order to achieve major goals of KSTAR performance enhancement. Here, major implementations are explained in this paper. In consequences of successive upgrades, the present KSTAR PCS is able to achieve ~48 s of 500 kA plasma pulses with full real-time shaping controls and real-time NB power controls. It has become a huge system capable of dealing with 8 separate categories of algorithms, 26 actuators directly controllable duringmore » the shot, and real-time data communication units consisting of +180 analog channels and +600 digital input/outputs through the reflective memory (RFM) network. The next upgrade of the KSTAR PCS is planned in 2015 before the campaign. An overview of the upgrade layout will be given for this paper. The real-time system box is planned to use the CERN MRG-Realtime OS, an ITER-compatible standard operating system. New hardware is developed for faster real-time streaming system for future installations of actuators/diagnostics.« less

Development of a low-energy charged particle detector with on-anode ASIC for in-situ plasma measurement in the Earth's magnetosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saito, M.; Saito, Y.; Mukai, T.; Asamura, K.

2009-06-01

The future magnetospheric exploration missions (ex. SCOPE: cross Scale COupling in the Plasma universE) aim to obtain electron 3D distribution function with very fast time resolution below 10 ms to investigate the electron dynamics that is regarded as pivotal in understanding the space plasma phenomena such as magnetic reconnection. This can be achieved by developing a new plasma detector system which is fast in signal processing with small size, light weight and low power consumption. The new detector system consists of stacked micro channel plates and a position sensitive multi-anode detector with on-anode analogue ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuits). Multi-anode system usually suffers from false signals caused by mainly two effects. One is the effect of the electrostatic crosstalk between the discrete anodes since our new detector consists of many adjacent anodes with small gaps to increase the detection areas. Our experimental results show that there exists electrostatic crosstalk effect of approximately 10% from the adjacent anodes. The effect of 10% electrostatic crosstalk can be effectively avoided by a suitable discrimination level of the signal processing circuit. Non negligible charge cloud size on the anode also causes false counts. Optimized ASIC for in-situ plasma measurement in the Earth's magnetosphere is under development. The initial electron cloud at the MCP output has angular divergence. Furthermore, space charge effects may broaden the size of the charge cloud. We have obtained the charge cloud size both experimentally and theoretically. Our test model detector shows expected performance that is explained by our studies above.

Effect of ECRH and resonant magnetic fields on formation of magnetic islands in the T-10 tokamak plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shestakov, E. A.; Savrukhin, P. V.

2017-10-01

Experiments in the T-10 tokamak demonstrated possibility of controlling the plasma current during disruption instability using the electron cyclotron resonance heating (ECRH) and the controlled operation of the ohmic current-holding system. Quasistable plasma discharge with repeating sawtooth oscillations can be restored after energy quench using auxiliary ECRH power when PEC / POH > 2-5. The external magnetic field generation system consisted of eight saddle coils that were arranged symmetrically relative to the equatorial plane of the torus outside of the vacuum vessel of the T-10 tokamak to study the possible resonant magnetic field effects on the rotation frequency of magnetic islands. The saddle coils power supply system is based on four thyristor converters with a total power of 300 kW. The power supply control system is based on Siemens S7 controllers. As shown by preliminary experiments, the interaction efficiency of external magnetic fields with plasma depends on the plasma magnetic configuration. Optimal conditions for slowing the rotation of magnetic islands were determined. Additionally, the direction of the error magnetic field in the T-10 tokamak was determined, and the threshold value of the external magnetic field was determined.

One-dimensional MHD simulations of MTF systems with compact toroid targets and spherical liners

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khalzov, Ivan; Zindler, Ryan; Barsky, Sandra; Delage, Michael; Laberge, Michel

2017-10-01

One-dimensional (1D) MHD code is developed in General Fusion (GF) for coupled plasma-liner simulations in magnetized target fusion (MTF) systems. The main goal of these simulations is to search for optimal parameters of MTF reactor, in which spherical liquid metal liner compresses compact toroid plasma. The code uses Lagrangian description for both liner and plasma. The liner is represented as a set of spherical shells with fixed masses while plasma is discretized as a set of nested tori with circular cross sections and fixed number of particles between them. All physical fields are 1D functions of either spherical (liner) or small toroidal (plasma) radius. Motion of liner and plasma shells is calculated self-consistently based on applied forces and equations of state. Magnetic field is determined by 1D profiles of poloidal and toroidal fluxes - they are advected with shells and diffuse according to local resistivity, this also accounts for flux leakage into the liner. Different plasma transport models are implemented, this allows for comparison with ongoing GF experiments. Fusion power calculation is included into the code. We performed a series of parameter scans in order to establish the underlying dependencies of the MTF system and find the optimal reactor design point.

Modelling the solar wind interaction with Mercury by a quasi-neutral hybrid model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kallio, E.; Janhunen, P.

2003-11-01

Quasi-neutral hybrid model is a self-consistent modelling approach that includes positively charged particles and an electron fluid. The approach has received an increasing interest in space plasma physics research because it makes it possible to study several plasma physical processes that are difficult or impossible to model by self-consistent fluid models, such as the effects associated with the ions’ finite gyroradius, the velocity difference between different ion species, or the non-Maxwellian velocity distribution function. By now quasi-neutral hybrid models have been used to study the solar wind interaction with the non-magnetised Solar System bodies of Mars, Venus, Titan and comets. Localized, two-dimensional hybrid model runs have also been made to study terrestrial dayside magnetosheath. However, the Hermean plasma environment has not yet been analysed by a global quasi-neutral hybrid model.

Inter-conversion of Work and Heat With Plasma Electric Fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Avinash, K.

2010-11-01

Thermodynamics of a model system where a group of cold charged particles locally confined in a volume VP within a warm plasma of temperature T and fixed volume V (VP<

3-Dimensional Modeling of Capacitively and Inductively Coupled Plasma Etching Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rauf, Shahid

2008-10-01

Low temperature plasmas are widely used for thin film etching during micro and nano-electronic device fabrication. Fluid and hybrid plasma models were developed 15-20 years ago to understand the fundamentals of these plasmas and plasma etching. These models have significantly evolved since then, and are now a major tool used for new plasma hardware design and problem resolution. Plasma etching is a complex physical phenomenon, where inter-coupled plasma, electromagnetic, fluid dynamics, and thermal effects all have a major influence. The next frontier in the evolution of fluid-based plasma models is where these models are able to self-consistently treat the inter-coupling of plasma physics with fluid dynamics, electromagnetics, heat transfer and magnetostatics. We describe one such model in this paper and illustrate its use in solving engineering problems of interest for next generation plasma etcher design. Our 3-dimensional plasma model includes the full set of Maxwell equations, transport equations for all charged and neutral species in the plasma, the Navier-Stokes equation for fluid flow, and Kirchhoff's equations for the lumped external circuit. This model also includes Monte Carlo based kinetic models for secondary electrons and stochastic heating, and can take account of plasma chemistry. This modeling formalism allows us to self-consistently treat the dynamics in commercial inductively and capacitively coupled plasma etching reactors with realistic plasma chemistries, magnetic fields, and reactor geometries. We are also able to investigate the influence of the distributed electromagnetic circuit at very high frequencies (VHF) on the plasma dynamics. The model is used to assess the impact of azimuthal asymmetries in plasma reactor design (e.g., off-center pump, 3D magnetic field, slit valve, flow restrictor) on plasma characteristics at frequencies from 2 -- 180 MHz. With Jason Kenney, Ankur Agarwal, Ajit Balakrishna, Kallol Bera, and Ken Collins.

Towards Ideal NOx and CO2 Emission Control Technology for Bio-Oils Combustion Energy System Using a Plasma-Chemical Hybrid Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okubo, M.; Fujishima, H.; Yamato, Y.; Kuroki, T.; Tanaka, A.; Otsuka, K.

2013-03-01

A pilot-scale low-emission boiler system consisting of a bio-fuel boiler and plasma-chemical hybrid NOx removal system is investigated. This system can achieve carbon neutrality because the bio-fuel boiler uses waste vegetable oil as one of the fuels. The plasma-chemical hybrid NOx removal system has two processes: NO oxidation by ozone produced from plasma ozonizers and NO2 removal using a Na2SO3 chemical scrubber. Test demonstrations of the system are carried out for mixed oils (mixture of A-heavy oil and waste vegetable oil). Stable combustion is achieved for the mixed oil (20 - 50% waste vegetable oil). Properties of flue gas—e.g., O2, CO2 and NOx—when firing mixed oils are nearly the same as those when firing heavy oil for an average flue gas flow rate of 1000 Nm3/h. NOx concentrations at the boiler outlet are 90 - 95 ppm. Furthermore, during a 300-min continuous operation when firing 20% mixed oil, NOx removal efficiency of more than 90% (less than 10 ppm NOx emission) is confirmed. In addition, the CO2 reduction when heavy oil is replaced with waste vegetable oil is estimated. The system comparison is described between the plasma-chemical hybrid NOx removal and the conventional technology.

Demonstration of Plasma Arc Environmental Technology Applications for the Demilitarization of DOD Stockpiles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Ed; Zaghloul, Hany; Filius, Krag; Rivers, Tim

2000-01-01

Since 1989 the U.S. Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratories (USACERL) have been active participants in the research and development toward establishing Plasma Arc Technology (PAT) as an efficient, economical, and safe hazardous waste immobilization tool. A plasma torch capable of generating high temperatures makes this technology a viable and powerful tool for the thermal destruction of various military industrial waste streams into an innocuous ceramic material no longer requiring hazardous waste landfill (Class 1) disposal. The emerging pl asma environmental thermal treatment process, has been used to safely and efficiently meet the waste disposal needs for various demilitarized components disposal needs, such as: pyrotechnic smoke assemblies, thermal batteries, proximity fuses, cartridge actuated devices (CAD's), and propellant actuated devices (PAD's). MSE Technology Applications, Inc., (MSE) has proposed and fabricated a Mobile Plasma Treatment System to be a technology demonstrator for pilot-scale mobile plasma waste processing. The system is capable of providing small-scale waste remediation services, and conducting waste stream applicability demonstrations. The Mobile Plasma Treatment System's innovative concept provides the flexibility to treat waste streams at numerous sites and sites with only a limited quantity of waste, yet too hazardous to transport to a regional fixed facility. The system was designed to be operated as skid mounted modules; consisting of a furnace module, controls module, offgas module, and ancillary systems module. All system components have been integrated to be operated from a single control station with both semi-continuous feeding and batch slag-pouring capability.

The University of Iowa Helios solar wind plasma wave experiment /E 5a/. [using spectrum analyzer-electric field antenna system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gurnett, D. A.; Anderson, R. R.; Odem, D. L.

1975-01-01

This document describes the University of Iowa solar wind plasma wave experiment for the Helios missions (Experiment 5a). The objective of this experiment is the investigation of naturally occurring plasma instabilities and electromagnetic waves in the solar wind. To carry out this investigation, the experiment consists primarily of a 16-channel spectrum analyzer connected to the electric field antennas. The spectrum analyzer covers the frequency range from 20 Hz to 200 kHz and has an amplitude dynamic range which extends from .3 microvolts/m to 30 mV/m per channel. This spectrum analyzer, the antenna potential measurements, the shock alarm system and the supporting electronics are discussed in detail.

A Self Consistent RF Discharge, Plasma Chemistry and Surface Model for Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-06-30

consists of three submodels for the electron kinetics, plasma chemistry , and surface deposition kinetics for a-Si:H deposited from radio frequency...properties. Plasma enhanced, Chemical vapor deposition, amorphous silicon, Modeling, Electron kinetics, Plasma chemistry , Deposition kinetics, Rf discharge, Silane, Film properties, Silicon.

21 CFR 866.5360 - Cohn fraction IV immuno-logical test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

...-lipoprotein), malnutrition, iron deficiency anemia, red blood cell disorders, and kidney disease. (b) Classification. Class I (general controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in... test system is a device that consists of or measures that fraction of plasma proteins, predominantly...

21 CFR 866.5360 - Cohn fraction IV immuno-logical test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

...-lipoprotein), malnutrition, iron deficiency anemia, red blood cell disorders, and kidney disease. (b) Classification. Class I (general controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in... test system is a device that consists of or measures that fraction of plasma proteins, predominantly...

21 CFR 866.5360 - Cohn fraction IV immuno-logical test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

...-lipoprotein), malnutrition, iron deficiency anemia, red blood cell disorders, and kidney disease. (b) Classification. Class I (general controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in... test system is a device that consists of or measures that fraction of plasma proteins, predominantly...

21 CFR 866.5360 - Cohn fraction IV immuno-logical test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

...-lipoprotein), malnutrition, iron deficiency anemia, red blood cell disorders, and kidney disease. (b) Classification. Class I (general controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in... test system is a device that consists of or measures that fraction of plasma proteins, predominantly...

Self-confinement of finite dust clusters in isotropic plasmas.

PubMed

Miloshevsky, G V; Hassanein, A

2012-05-01

Finite two-dimensional dust clusters are systems of a small number of charged grains. The self-confinement of dust clusters in isotropic plasmas is studied using the particle-in-cell method. The energetically favorable configurations of grains in plasma are found that are due to the kinetic effects of plasma ions and electrons. The self-confinement phenomenon is attributed to the change in the plasma composition within a dust cluster resulting in grain attraction mediated by plasma ions. This is a self-consistent state of a dust cluster in which grain's repulsion is compensated by the reduced charge and floating potential on grains, overlapped ion clouds, and depleted electrons within a cluster. The common potential well is formed trapping dust clusters in the confined state. These results provide both valuable insights and a different perspective to the classical view on the formation of boundary-free dust clusters in isotropic plasmas.

Theoretical investigations of plasma processes in the ion bombardment thruster

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilhelm, H. E.

1975-01-01

A physical model for a thruster discharge was developed, consisting of a spatially diverging plasma sustained electrically between a small ring cathode and a larger ring anode in a cylindrical chamber with an axial magnetic field. The associated boundary-value problem for the coupled partial differential equations with mixed boundary conditions, which describe the electric potential and the plasma velocity fields, was solved in closed form. By means of quantum-mechanical perturbation theory, a formula for the number S(E) of atoms sputtered on the average by an ion of energy E was derived from first principles. The boundary-value problem describing the diffusion of the sputtered atoms through the surrounding rarefied electron-ion plasma to the system surfaces of ion propulsion systems was formulated and treated analytically. It is shown that outer boundary-value problems of this type lead to a complex integral equation, which requires numerical resolution.

Influence of plasma on the physical properties of ointments with quercetin.

PubMed

Szulc-Musioł, Beata; Dolińska, Barbara; Kołodziejska, Justyna; Ryszka, Florian

2017-12-20

Effects of two independent variables - the content of quercetin (0 or 1 or 1.5 or 5 %) and the content of plasma (0 or 2 or 4 or 6 %) - on the organoleptic properties and rheological parameters of model formulations prepared on an amphiphilic base were estimated. The consistency of all ointments was uniform, and the content of quercetin and plasma lay within the predefined range. Tested ointments are non-Newtonian systems. The content of quercetin and plasma was found to have a significant effect on the rheological properties of the ointments. An increase in the content of plasma in ointments was accompanied by a significant increase in their hardness, viscosity and shear stress and a reduction of their spreadability. The best rheological properties were shown by formulation F-3, containing 1.5 % of quercetin and 2 % of plasma.

Effect of squeeze on electrostatic TG wave damping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ashourvan, A.; Dubin, D. H. E.

2013-03-01

We present a 1D theory, neglecting radial dependency, for the damping of cylindrically symmetric plasma modes due to a cylindrically symmetric squeeze potential Vsq(z), applied to the axial midpoint of a non-neutral plasma column. Inside the plasma, particles experience a much smaller, Debye shielded squeeze potential φ0(z) of magnitude φs. The squeeze divides the plasma into passing and trapped particles; the latter cannot pass over the squeeze. Both analytical and computer simulation methods were used to study a 1D squeezed plasma mode. For our analytical study, in the regime where qφs/T ≪ 1, we assume the trapped particle population to be negligibly small and we treat qφ0(z) as a pertubation in the equilibrium hamiltonian. Our computer simulations consist of solving the 1D Vlasov-Poisson system and obtaining the damping rate for a self-consistent plasma mode. Damping of the mode in collisionless theory is caused by Landau resonances at energies En for which the bounce frequency ωb(En) and the wave frequency ω satisfy ω = nωb(En). Particles experience a non-sinusoidal wave potential along their bounce orbits due to the squeeze potential. As a result, the squeeze induces bounce harmonics with n ≫ 1 in the perturbed distribution. The harmonics allow resonances at energies En ≤ T and cause a substantial damping, even at wave phase velocities much larger than the thermal velocity, which is not expected for an unsqueezed plasma. In the regime ω/k≫√T/m (k is the wave number) and T ≫ qφs, the resonance damping rate has a |Vsq|2 dependence. This behavior is consistent with the observed experimental results.

Colliding Laser-Produced Plasmas on LaPD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Collette, Andrew; Gekelman, Walter

2007-11-01

The expansion and interaction of dense plasmas in the presence of a magnetized background plasma is important in many astrophysical processes, among them coronal mass ejections and the many examples of plasma jets from astrophotography. Turbulence is expected to be present in many such configurations. We describe a series of experiments which involve the collision of two dense (initially, n > 10^15cm-3) laser-produced plasmas within an ambient, highly magnetized plasma. The laser-produced plasmas form diamagnetic cavities in which a large percentage of the background magnetic field (600G) has been expelled. First-stage observations using a fast (3ns exposure) camera indicate complicated structure at late times, in addition to coherent corrugated structures on the bubble surfaces. The data hint at the presence of turbulence in the interaction. The second stage of observation consists of direct investigation of the magnetic field using probes. A novel diagnostic system composed of small (300-500 micron) 3-axis differential magnetic field probes in conjunction with a ceramic motor system capable of extremely fine (sub-micron) positioning accuracy is currently under development. An ensemble of magnetic field data from fixed and movable probes makes possible the calculation of the cross-spectral function.

Controlling marginally detached divertor plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eldon, D.; Kolemen, E.; Barton, J. L.; Briesemeister, A. R.; Humphreys, D. A.; Leonard, A. W.; Maingi, R.; Makowski, M. A.; McLean, A. G.; Moser, A. L.; Stangeby, P. C.

2017-06-01

A new control system at DIII-D has stabilized the inter-ELM detached divertor plasma state for H-mode in close proximity to the threshold for reattachment, thus demonstrating the ability to maintain detachment with minimal gas puffing. When the same control system was instead ordered to hold the plasma at the threshold (here defined as T e  =  5 eV near the divertor target plate), the resulting T e profiles separated into two groups with one group consistent with marginal detachment, and the other with marginal attachment. The plasma dithers between the attached and detached states when the control system attempts to hold at the threshold. The control system is upgraded from the one described in Kolemen et al (2015 J. Nucl. Mater. 463 1186) and it handles ELMing plasmas by using real time D α measurements to remove during-ELM slices from real time T e measurements derived from divertor Thomson scattering. The difference between measured and requested inter-ELM T e is passed to a PID (proportional-integral-derivative) controller to determine gas puff commands. While some degree of detachment is essential for the health of ITER’s divertor, more deeply detached plasmas have greater radiative losses and, at the extreme, confinement degradation, making it desirable to limit detachment to the minimum level needed to protect the target plate (Kolemen et al 2015 J. Nucl. Mater. 463 1186). However, the observed bifurcation in plasma conditions at the outer strike point with the ion B   ×  \

Oscillatory wake potential with exchange-correlation in plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khan, Arroj A.; Zeba, I.; Jamil, M.; Asif, M.

2017-12-01

The oscillatory wake potential of a moving test charge is studied in quantum dusty plasmas. The plasma system consisting of electrons, ions and negatively charged dust species is embedded in an ambient magnetic field. The modified equation of dispersion is derived using a Quantum Hydrodynamic Model for magnetized plasmas. The quantum effects are inculcated through Fermi degenerate pressure, the tunneling effect and exchange-correlation effects. The study of oscillatory wake is important to know the existence of silence zones in space and astrophysical objects as well as for crystal formation. The graphical description of the potential depicts the significance of the exchange and correlation effects arising through spin and other variables on the wake potential.

Surface current balance and thermoelectric whistler wings at airless astrophysical bodies: Cassini at Rhea.

PubMed

Teolis, B D; Sillanpää, I; Waite, J H; Khurana, K K

2014-11-01

Sharp magnetic perturbations found by the Cassini spacecraft at the edge of the Rhea flux tube are consistent with field-aligned flux tube currents. The current system results from the difference of ion and electron gyroradii and the requirement to balance currents on the sharp Rhea surface. Differential-type hybrid codes that solve for ion velocity and magnetic field have an intrinsic difficulty modeling the plasma absorber's sharp surface. We overcome this problem by instead using integral equations to solve for ion and electron currents and obtain agreement with the magnetic perturbations at Rhea's flux tube edge. An analysis of the plasma dispersion relations and Cassini data reveals that field-guided whistler waves initiated by (1) the electron velocity anisotropy in the flux tube and (2) interaction with surface sheath electrostatic waves on topographic scales may facilitate propagation of the current system to large distances from Rhea. Current systems like those at Rhea should occur generally, for plasma absorbers of any size such as spacecraft or planetary bodies, in a wide range of space plasma environments. Motion through the plasma is not essential since the current system is thermodynamic in origin, excited by heat flow into the object. The requirements are a difference of ion and electron gyroradii and a sharp surface, i.e., without a significant thick atmosphere. Surface current balance condition yields a current system at astronomical bodiesCurrent system possible for sharp (airless) objects of any sizeCurrent system is thermoelectric and motion through the plasma nonessential.

Surface current balance and thermoelectric whistler wings at airless astrophysical bodies: Cassini at Rhea

PubMed Central

Teolis, B D; Sillanpää, I; Waite, J H; Khurana, K K

2014-01-01

Sharp magnetic perturbations found by the Cassini spacecraft at the edge of the Rhea flux tube are consistent with field-aligned flux tube currents. The current system results from the difference of ion and electron gyroradii and the requirement to balance currents on the sharp Rhea surface. Differential-type hybrid codes that solve for ion velocity and magnetic field have an intrinsic difficulty modeling the plasma absorber's sharp surface. We overcome this problem by instead using integral equations to solve for ion and electron currents and obtain agreement with the magnetic perturbations at Rhea's flux tube edge. An analysis of the plasma dispersion relations and Cassini data reveals that field-guided whistler waves initiated by (1) the electron velocity anisotropy in the flux tube and (2) interaction with surface sheath electrostatic waves on topographic scales may facilitate propagation of the current system to large distances from Rhea. Current systems like those at Rhea should occur generally, for plasma absorbers of any size such as spacecraft or planetary bodies, in a wide range of space plasma environments. Motion through the plasma is not essential since the current system is thermodynamic in origin, excited by heat flow into the object. The requirements are a difference of ion and electron gyroradii and a sharp surface, i.e., without a significant thick atmosphere. Key Points Surface current balance condition yields a current system at astronomical bodies Current system possible for sharp (airless) objects of any size Current system is thermoelectric and motion through the plasma nonessential PMID:26167436

Development of the radial neutron camera system for the HL-2A tokamak

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Y. P., E-mail: zhangyp@swip.ac.cn; Yang, J. W.; Liu, Yi

2016-06-15

A new radial neutron camera system has been developed and operated recently in the HL-2A tokamak to measure the spatial and time resolved 2.5 MeV D-D fusion neutron, enhancing the understanding of the energetic-ion physics. The camera mainly consists of a multichannel collimator, liquid-scintillation detectors, shielding systems, and a data acquisition system. Measurements of the D-D fusion neutrons using the camera have been successfully performed during the 2015 HL-2A experiment campaign. The measurements show that the distribution of the fusion neutrons in the HL-2A plasma has a peaked profile, suggesting that the neutral beam injection beam ions in the plasmamore » have a peaked distribution. It also suggests that the neutrons are primarily produced from beam-target reactions in the plasma core region. The measurement results from the neutron camera are well consistent with the results of both a standard {sup 235}U fission chamber and NUBEAM neutron calculations. In this paper, the new radial neutron camera system on HL-2A and the first experimental results are described.« less

ECH Technology Development

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Temkin, Richard

2014-12-24

Electron Cyclotron Heating (ECH) is needed for plasma heating, current drive, plasma stability control, and other applications in fusion energy sciences research. The program of fusion energy sciences supported by U. S. DOE, Office of Science, Fusion Energy Sciences relies on the development of ECH technology to meet the needs of several plasma devices working at the frontier of fusion energy sciences research. The largest operating ECH system in the world is at DIII-D, consisting of six 1 MW, 110 GHz gyrotrons capable of ten second pulsed operation, plus two newer gyrotrons. The ECH Technology Development research program investigated themore » options for upgrading the DIII-D 110 GHz ECH system. Options included extending present-day 1 MW technology to 1.3 – 1.5 MW power levels or developing an entirely new approach to achieve up to 2 MW of power per gyrotron. The research consisted of theoretical research and designs conducted by Communication and Power Industries of Palo Alto, CA working with MIT. Results of the study would be validated in a later phase by research on short pulse length gyrotrons at MIT and long pulse / cw gyrotrons in industry. This research follows a highly successful program of development that has led to the highly reliable, six megawatt ECH system at the DIII-D tokamak. Eventually, gyrotrons at the 1.5 megawatt to multi-megawatt power level will be needed for heating and current drive in large scale plasmas including ITER and DEMO.« less

Near-Earth plasma sheet boundary dynamics during substorm dipolarization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakamura, Rumi; Nagai, Tsugunobu; Birn, Joachim; Sergeev, Victor A.; Le Contel, Olivier; Varsani, Ali; Baumjohann, Wolfgang; Nakamura, Takuma; Apatenkov, Sergey; Artemyev, Anton; Ergun, Robert E.; Fuselier, Stephen A.; Gershman, Daniel J.; Giles, Barbara J.; Khotyaintsev, Yuri V.; Lindqvist, Per-Arne; Magnes, Werner; Mauk, Barry; Russell, Christopher T.; Singer, Howard J.; Stawarz, Julia; Strangeway, Robert J.; Anderson, Brian; Bromund, Ken R.; Fischer, David; Kepko, Laurence; Le, Guan; Plaschke, Ferdinand; Slavin, James A.; Cohen, Ian; Jaynes, Allison; Turner, Drew L.

2017-09-01

We report on the large-scale evolution of dipolarization in the near-Earth plasma sheet during an intense (AL -1000 nT) substorm on August 10, 2016, when multiple spacecraft at radial distances between 4 and 15 R E were present in the night-side magnetosphere. This global dipolarization consisted of multiple short-timescale (a couple of minutes) B z disturbances detected by spacecraft distributed over 9 MLT, consistent with the large-scale substorm current wedge observed by ground-based magnetometers. The four spacecraft of the Magnetospheric Multiscale were located in the southern hemisphere plasma sheet and observed fast flow disturbances associated with this dipolarization. The high-time-resolution measurements from MMS enable us to detect the rapid motion of the field structures and flow disturbances separately. A distinct pattern of the flow and field disturbance near the plasma boundaries was found. We suggest that a vortex motion created around the localized flows resulted in another field-aligned current system at the off-equatorial side of the BBF-associated R1/R2 systems, as was predicted by the MHD simulation of a localized reconnection jet. The observations by GOES and Geotail, which were located in the opposite hemisphere and local time, support this view. We demonstrate that the processes of both Earthward flow braking and of accumulated magnetic flux evolving tailward also control the dynamics in the boundary region of the near-Earth plasma sheet.[Figure not available: see fulltext.

Onset of normal and inverse homoclinic bifurcation in a double plasma system near a plasma fireball

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mitra, Vramori; Sarma, Bornali; Sarma, Arun

Plasma fireballs are generated due to a localized discharge and appear as a luminous glow with a sharp boundary, which suggests the presence of a localized electric field such as electrical sheath or double layer structure. The present work reports the observation of normal and inverse homoclinic bifurcation phenomena in plasma oscillations that are excited in the presence of fireball in a double plasma device. The controlling parameters for these observations are the ratio of target to source chamber (n{sub T}/n{sub S}) densities and applied electrode voltage. Homoclinic bifurcation is noticed in the plasma potential fluctuations as the system evolvesmore » from narrow to long time period oscillations and vice versa with the change of control parameter. The dynamical transition in plasma fireball is demonstrated by spectral analysis, recurrence quantification analysis (RQA), and statistical measures, viz., skewness and kurtosis. The increasing trend of normalized variance reflects that enhancing n{sub T}/n{sub S} induces irregularity in plasma dynamics. The exponential growth of the time period is strongly indicative of homoclinic bifurcation in the system. The gradual decrease of skewness and increase of kurtosis with the increase of n{sub T}/n{sub S} also reflect growing complexity in the system. The visual change of recurrence plot and gradual enhancement of RQA variables DET, L{sub max}, and ENT reflects the bifurcation behavior in the dynamics. The combination of RQA and spectral analysis is a clear evidence that homoclinic bifurcation occurs due to the presence of plasma fireball with different density ratios. However, inverse bifurcation takes place due to the change of fireball voltage. Some of the features observed in the experiment are consistent with a model that describes the dynamics of ionization instabilities.« less

An experiment to measure the mass density of a plasma armature

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rogers, J.W.; Thomas, K.A.; Clothiaux, E.J.

1991-01-01

In this paper a diagnostic technique for determining the mass density, and possibly the plasma composition, of the plasma armature in the MIDI-3 free-running arc device is described. The armature consists primarily of the components of polythylene and copper, and it can reach velocities in excess of 8 km/sec. The approach in this proof-of-principle experiment utilizes a flash x-ray source with x rays having energies from 3 keV to 20 keV, an elliptical x-ray crystal spectrometer, and an appropriate detector array and data acquisition system.

Latest Results on Complex Plasmas with the PK-3 Plus Laboratory on Board the International Space Station

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schwabe, M.; Du, C.-R.; Huber, P.; Lipaev, A. M.; Molotkov, V. I.; Naumkin, V. N.; Zhdanov, S. K.; Zhukhovitskii, D. I.; Fortov, V. E.; Thomas, H. M.

2018-03-01

Complex plasmas are low temperature plasmas that contain microparticles in addition to ions, electrons, and neutral particles. The microparticles acquire high charges, interact with each other and can be considered as model particles for effects in classical condensed matter systems, such as crystallization and fluid dynamics. In contrast to atoms in ordinary systems, their movement can be traced on the most basic level, that of individual particles. In order to avoid disturbances caused by gravity, experiments on complex plasmas are often performed under microgravity conditions. The PK-3 Plus Laboratory was operated on board the International Space Station from 2006 - 2013. Its heart consisted of a capacitively coupled radio-frequency plasma chamber. Microparticles were inserted into the low-temperature plasma, forming large, homogeneous complex plasma clouds. Here, we review the results obtained with recent analyzes of PK-3 Plus data: We study the formation of crystallization fronts, as well as the microparticle motion in, and structure of crystalline complex plasmas. We investigate fluid effects such as wave transmission across an interface, and the development of the energy spectra during the onset of turbulent microparticle movement. We explore how abnormal particles move through, and how macroscopic spheres interact with the microparticle cloud. These examples demonstrate the versatility of the PK-3 Plus Laboratory.

Three-dimensional tomographic imaging for dynamic radiation behavior study using infrared imaging video bolometers in large helical device plasma

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sano, Ryuichi; Iwama, Naofumi; Peterson, Byron J.

A three-dimensional (3D) tomography system using four InfraRed imaging Video Bolometers (IRVBs) has been designed with a helical periodicity assumption for the purpose of plasma radiation measurement in the large helical device. For the spatial inversion of large sized arrays, the system has been numerically and experimentally examined using the Tikhonov regularization with the criterion of minimum generalized cross validation, which is the standard solver of inverse problems. The 3D transport code EMC3-EIRENE for impurity behavior and related radiation has been used to produce phantoms for numerical tests, and the relative calibration of the IRVB images has been carried outmore » with a simple function model of the decaying plasma in a radiation collapse. The tomography system can respond to temporal changes in the plasma profile and identify the 3D dynamic behavior of radiation, such as the radiation enhancement that starts from the inboard side of the torus, during the radiation collapse. The reconstruction results are also consistent with the output signals of a resistive bolometer. These results indicate that the designed 3D tomography system is available for the 3D imaging of radiation. The first 3D direct tomographic measurement of a magnetically confined plasma has been achieved.« less

Analysis of plasma-controlled laser evaporation of Al target in vacuum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mazhukin, Vladimir I.; Nossov, Vadim V.; Smurov, Igor Y.

2004-04-01

The plasma-controlled evaporation of the Al target induced by the laser pulse with intensity of 8 x 108 W/cm2 and wavelength of 1.06 μm is analyzed with account for the two-dimensional effects. The self consistent model is applied, consisting of the heat transfer equation in condensed medium, the system of radiation gas dynamics in evaporated substance, and the Knudsen layer model at the two media boundary. It is established that the phase transition of the target surface is controlled by the two factors: the surface temperature that depends on the transmitted radiation intensity and the plasma pressure, governed by the expansion regime. The process comes through three characteristics stages -- the sonic evaporation at the beginning, the condensation during the period of plasma formation and initial expansion and, finally, the recommence of evaporation in subsonic regime after the partial brightening of the plasma. During the subsonic evaporation stage the vapor flow and the mass removal rate is much higher near the beam boundaries than in the center due to smaller plasma counter-pressure. The vapor plasma pattern is characterized by the dense hot zone near the surface where the deposition of laser energy occurs, and rapid decrease of density outside the zone due to three-dimensional expansion. The application of the laser beam of smaller radius at the same intensity leads to the formation of more rarefied and more transparent plasma, that allows to improve the mass removal efficiency.

Measurements of ion temperature and flow of pulsed plasmas produced by a magnetized coaxial plasma gun device using an ion Doppler spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kitagawa, Y.; Sakuma, I.; Iwamoto, D.; Kikuchi, Y.; Fukumoto, N.; Nagata, M.

2012-10-01

It is important to know surface damage characteristics of plasma-facing component materials during transient heat and particle loads such as type I ELMs. A magnetized coaxial plasma gun (MCPG) device has been used as transient heat and particle source in ELM simulation experiments. Characteristics of pulsed plasmas produced by the MCPG device play an important role for the plasma material interaction. In this study, ion temperature and flow velocity of pulsed He plasmas were measured by an ion Doppler spectrometer (IDS). The IDS system consists of a light collection system including optical fibers, 1m-spectrometer and a 16 channel photomultiplier tube (PMT) detector. The IDS system measures the width and Doppler shift of HeII (468.58 nm) emission line with the time resolution of 1 μs. The Doppler broadened and shifted spectra were measured with 45 and 135 degree angles with respect to the plasmoid traveling direction. The observed emission line profile was represented by sum of two Gaussian components to determine the temperature and flow velocity. The minor component at around the wavelength of zero-velocity was produced by the stationary plasma. As the results, the ion velocity and temperature were 68 km/s and 19 eV, respectively. Thus, the He ion flow energy is 97 eV. The observed flow velocity agrees with that measured by a time of flight technique.

Self-consistent analysis of high drift velocity measurements with the STARE system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reinleitner, L. A.; Nielsen, E.

1985-01-01

The use of the STARE and SABRE coherent radar systems as valuable tools for geophysical research has been enhanced by a new technique called the Superimposed-Grid-Point method. This method permits an analysis of E-layer plasma irregularity phase velocity versus flow angle utilizing only STARE or SABRE data. As previous work with STARE has indicated, this analysis has clearly shown that the cosine law assumption breaks down for velocities near and exceeding the local ion acoustic velocities. Use of this method is improving understanding of naturally-occurring plasma irregularities in the E-layer.

Flow impedance in a uniform magnetically insulated transmission line

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mendel, C. W.; Seidel, D. B.

1999-12-01

In two recent publications [C. W. Mendel, Jr. and S. E. Rosenthal, Phys. of Plasmas 2, 1332 (1995), C. W. Mendel, Jr. and S. E. Rosenthal, Phys. of Plasmas 3, 4207 (1996)] relativistic electron flow in cylindrical magnetically insulated transmission lines was analyzed and modeled under the assumption of negligible electron pressure. The model allows power flow in these lines to be accurately calculated under most conditions. The model was developed for coaxial right circular cylindrical electrodes. It is shown here that the model applies equally well to arbitrary cylindrical systems, i.e., systems consisting of electrodes of arbitrary cross section.

In-vessel visible inspection system on KSTAR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chung, Jinil; Seo, D. C.

2008-08-01

To monitor the global formation of the initial plasma and damage to the internal structures of the vacuum vessel, an in-vessel visible inspection system has been installed and operated on the Korean superconducting tokamak advanced research (KSTAR) device. It consists of four inspection illuminators and two visible/H-alpha TV cameras. Each illuminator uses four 150W metal-halide lamps with separate lamp controllers, and programmable progressive scan charge-coupled device cameras with 1004×1004 resolution at 48frames/s and a resolution of 640×480 at 210frames/s are used to capture images. In order to provide vessel inspection capability under any operation condition, the lamps and cameras are fully controlled from the main control room and protected by shutters from deposits during plasma operation. In this paper, we describe the design and operation results of the visible inspection system with the images of the KSTAR Ohmic discharges during the first plasma campaign.

Development of a high power Helicon system for DIII-D

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tooker, Joseph F.; Nagy, Alexander; deGrassie, John

A mechanism for driving current off-axis in high beta tokamaks using fast electromagnetic waves, called Helicons, will be experimentally tested in the DIII-D tokamak. This method is calculated to be more efficient than current drive using electron cyclotron waves or neutral beam injection, and it may be well suited to reactor-like configurations. A low power (100 W) 476 MHz “combline” antenna, consisting of 12 inductively coupled, electrostatically shielded, modular resonators, was recently installed in DIII-D. Initial operation showed that the plasma operating conditions were achieved under which helicon waves can be launched. Plasma operations also showed that the location ofmore » the antenna has not reduced the performance of, or introduced excessive impurities into, the discharges produced in DIII-D. The development of a high power (1 MW) Helicon system is underway. This antenna consists of 30 modules mounted on the inside of the outer wall of the vacuum vessel slightly above the midplane. Carbon tiles around the antenna protect the antenna from thermal plasma streaming along field lines. A 1.2 MW, 476 MHz klystron system will be transferred from the Stanford Linear Accelerator to DIII-D to provide the RF input power to the antenna. Lastly, a description of the design and fabrication of high power antenna and the RF feeds, the klystron and RF distribution systems, and their installation will be presented.« less

Development of a high power Helicon system for DIII-D

DOE PAGES

Tooker, Joseph F.; Nagy, Alexander; deGrassie, John; ...

2017-03-29

A mechanism for driving current off-axis in high beta tokamaks using fast electromagnetic waves, called Helicons, will be experimentally tested in the DIII-D tokamak. This method is calculated to be more efficient than current drive using electron cyclotron waves or neutral beam injection, and it may be well suited to reactor-like configurations. A low power (100 W) 476 MHz “combline” antenna, consisting of 12 inductively coupled, electrostatically shielded, modular resonators, was recently installed in DIII-D. Initial operation showed that the plasma operating conditions were achieved under which helicon waves can be launched. Plasma operations also showed that the location ofmore » the antenna has not reduced the performance of, or introduced excessive impurities into, the discharges produced in DIII-D. The development of a high power (1 MW) Helicon system is underway. This antenna consists of 30 modules mounted on the inside of the outer wall of the vacuum vessel slightly above the midplane. Carbon tiles around the antenna protect the antenna from thermal plasma streaming along field lines. A 1.2 MW, 476 MHz klystron system will be transferred from the Stanford Linear Accelerator to DIII-D to provide the RF input power to the antenna. Lastly, a description of the design and fabrication of high power antenna and the RF feeds, the klystron and RF distribution systems, and their installation will be presented.« less

Riedel's thyroiditis and multifocal fibrosclerosis are part of the IgG4-related systemic disease spectrum.

PubMed

Dahlgren, Mollie; Khosroshahi, Arezou; Nielsen, G Petur; Deshpande, Vikram; Stone, John H

2010-09-01

Riedel's thyroiditis is a chronic fibrosing disorder of unknown etiology often associated with "multifocal fibrosclerosis." IgG4-related systemic disease is characterized by IgG4+ plasma cell infiltration and fibrosis throughout many organs. We hypothesized that Riedel's thyroiditis is part of the IgG4-related systemic disease spectrum. We searched our institution's pathology database using the terms "Riedel's," "struma," "thyroid," and "fibrosis," and identified 3 cases of Riedel's thyroiditis. Riedel's thyroiditis was diagnosed if there was a fibroinflammatory process involving all or a portion of the thyroid gland, with evidence of extension of the process into surrounding tissues. Immunohistochemical stains for IgG4 and IgG were performed. The histopathologic and immunohistochemical features of each involved organ were evaluated. The clinical features of one patient with multiple organ system disease were described. All 3 thyroidectomy samples stained positively for IgG4-bearing plasma cells. One patient had extensive extrathyroidal involvement diagnostic of IgG4-related systemic disease, including cholangitis, pseudotumors of both the lung and lacrimal gland, and a lymph node contiguous to the thyroid that stained intensely for IgG4+ plasma cells. The histologic features of all organs involved were consistent with IgG4-related systemic disease. Patient 3 had 10 IgG4+ plasma cells per high-power field initially, but rebiopsy 2 years later demonstrated no IgG4+ plasma cells. That patient's second biopsy, characterized by fibrosis and minimal residual inflammation, further solidifies the link between IgG4-bearing plasma cells in tissue and the histologic evolution to Riedel's thyroiditis. Riedel's thyroiditis is part of the IgG4-related systemic disease spectrum. In many cases, multifocal fibrosclerosis and IgG4-related systemic disease are probably the same entity.

Electrostatic sensors for SPIDER experiment: Design, manufacture of prototypes, and first tests

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brombin, M.; Spolaore, M.; Serianni, G.; Barzon, A.; Franchin, L.; Pasqualotto, R.; Pomaro, N.; Schiesko, L.; Taliercio, C.; Trevisan, L.

2014-02-01

A system of electrostatic sensors has been designed for the SPIDER (Source for the production of Ions of Deuterium Extracted from RF plasma) experiment, prototype RF source of the ITER NBI (neutral beam injection). A prototype of the sensor system was manufactured and tested at the BATMAN (BAvarian Test MAchine for Negative ions) facility, where the plasma environment is similar to that of SPIDER. Different aspects concerning the mechanical manufacturing and the signal conditioning are presented, among them the RF compensation adopted to reduce the RF effects which could lead to overestimated values of the electron temperature. The first commissioning tests provided ion saturation current values in the range assumed for the design, so the deduced plasma density estimate is consistent with the expected values.

Electrostatic sensors for SPIDER experiment: design, manufacture of prototypes, and first tests.

PubMed

Brombin, M; Spolaore, M; Serianni, G; Barzon, A; Franchin, L; Pasqualotto, R; Pomaro, N; Schiesko, L; Taliercio, C; Trevisan, L

2014-02-01

A system of electrostatic sensors has been designed for the SPIDER (Source for the production of Ions of Deuterium Extracted from RF plasma) experiment, prototype RF source of the ITER NBI (neutral beam injection). A prototype of the sensor system was manufactured and tested at the BATMAN (BAvarian Test MAchine for Negative ions) facility, where the plasma environment is similar to that of SPIDER. Different aspects concerning the mechanical manufacturing and the signal conditioning are presented, among them the RF compensation adopted to reduce the RF effects which could lead to overestimated values of the electron temperature. The first commissioning tests provided ion saturation current values in the range assumed for the design, so the deduced plasma density estimate is consistent with the expected values.

Electrostatic sensors for SPIDER experiment: Design, manufacture of prototypes, and first tests

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Brombin, M., E-mail: matteo.brombin@igi.cnr.it; Spolaore, M.; Serianni, G.

2014-02-15

A system of electrostatic sensors has been designed for the SPIDER (Source for the production of Ions of Deuterium Extracted from RF plasma) experiment, prototype RF source of the ITER NBI (neutral beam injection). A prototype of the sensor system was manufactured and tested at the BATMAN (BAvarian Test MAchine for Negative ions) facility, where the plasma environment is similar to that of SPIDER. Different aspects concerning the mechanical manufacturing and the signal conditioning are presented, among them the RF compensation adopted to reduce the RF effects which could lead to overestimated values of the electron temperature. The first commissioningmore » tests provided ion saturation current values in the range assumed for the design, so the deduced plasma density estimate is consistent with the expected values.« less

Landau's statistical mechanics for quasi-particle models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bannur, Vishnu M.

2014-04-01

Landau's formalism of statistical mechanics [following L. D. Landau and E. M. Lifshitz, Statistical Physics (Pergamon Press, Oxford, 1980)] is applied to the quasi-particle model of quark-gluon plasma. Here, one starts from the expression for pressure and develop all thermodynamics. It is a general formalism and consistent with our earlier studies [V. M. Bannur, Phys. Lett. B647, 271 (2007)] based on Pathria's formalism [following R. K. Pathria, Statistical Mechanics (Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford, 1977)]. In Pathria's formalism, one starts from the expression for energy density and develop thermodynamics. Both the formalisms are consistent with thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Under certain conditions, which are wrongly called thermodynamic consistent relation, we recover other formalism of quasi-particle system, like in M. I. Gorenstein and S. N. Yang, Phys. Rev. D52, 5206 (1995), widely studied in quark-gluon plasma.

A system model of the effects of exercise on plasma Interleukin-6 dynamics in healthy individuals: Role of skeletal muscle and adipose tissue.

PubMed

Morettini, Micaela; Palumbo, Maria Concetta; Sacchetti, Massimo; Castiglione, Filippo; Mazzà, Claudia

2017-01-01

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) has been recently shown to play a central role in glucose homeostasis, since it stimulates the production and secretion of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) from intestinal L-cells and pancreas, leading to an enhanced insulin response. In resting conditions, IL-6 is mainly produced by the adipose tissue whereas, during exercise, skeletal muscle contractions stimulate a marked IL-6 secretion as well. Available mathematical models describing the effects of exercise on glucose homeostasis, however, do not account for this IL-6 contribution. This study aimed at developing and validating a system model of exercise's effects on plasma IL-6 dynamics in healthy humans, combining the contributions of both adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. A two-compartment description was adopted to model plasma IL-6 changes in response to oxygen uptake's variation during an exercise bout. The free parameters of the model were estimated by means of a cross-validation procedure performed on four different datasets. A low coefficient of variation (<10%) was found for each parameter and the physiologically meaningful parameters were all consistent with literature data. Moreover, plasma IL-6 dynamics during exercise and post-exercise were consistent with literature data from exercise protocols differing in intensity, duration and modality. The model successfully emulated the physiological effects of exercise on plasma IL-6 levels and provided a reliable description of the role of skeletal muscle and adipose tissue on the dynamics of plasma IL-6. The system model here proposed is suitable to simulate IL-6 response to different exercise modalities. Its future integration with existing models of GLP-1-induced insulin secretion might provide a more reliable description of exercise's effects on glucose homeostasis and hence support the definition of more tailored interventions for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Kinetic theory of a two-dimensional magnetized plasma. II - Balescu-Lenard limit.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vahala, G.

1972-01-01

The kinetic theory of a two-dimensional one-species plasma in a uniform dc magnetic field is investigated in the small plasma parameter limit. The plasma consists of charged rods interacting through the logarithmic Coulomb potential. Vahala and Montgomery earlier (1971) derived a Fokker-Planck equation for this system, but it contained a divergent integral, which had to be cut off on physical grounds. This cutoff is compared to the standard cutoff introduced in the two-dimensional unmagnetized Fokker-Planck equation. In the small plasma parameter limit, it is shown that the Balescu-Lenard collision term is zero in the long time average limit if only two-body interactions are considered. The energy transfer from a test particle to an equilibrium plasma is discussed and is also shown to be zero in the long time average limit. This supports the unexpected result of zero Balescu-Lenard collision term.

Kinetic description of rotating Tokamak plasmas with anisotropic temperatures in the collisionless regime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cremaschini, Claudio; Tessarotto, Massimo

2011-11-01

A largely unsolved theoretical issue in controlled fusion research is the consistent kinetic treatment of slowly-time varying plasma states occurring in collisionless and magnetized axisymmetric plasmas. The phenomenology may include finite pressure anisotropies as well as strong toroidal and poloidal differential rotation, characteristic of Tokamak plasmas. Despite the fact that physical phenomena occurring in fusion plasmas depend fundamentally on the microscopic particle phase-space dynamics, their consistent kinetic treatment remains still essentially unchallenged to date. The goal of this paper is to address the problem within the framework of Vlasov-Maxwell description. The gyrokinetic treatment of charged particles dynamics is adopted for the construction of asymptotic solutions for the quasi-stationary species kinetic distribution functions. These are expressed in terms of the particle exact and adiabatic invariants. The theory relies on a perturbative approach, which permits to construct asymptotic analytical solutions of the Vlasov-Maxwell system. In this way, both diamagnetic and energy corrections are included consistently into the theory. In particular, by imposing suitable kinetic constraints, the existence of generalized bi-Maxwellian asymptotic kinetic equilibria is pointed out. The theory applies for toroidal rotation velocity of the order of the ion thermal speed. These solutions satisfy identically also the constraints imposed by the Maxwell equations, i.e., quasi-neutrality and Ampere's law. As a result, it is shown that, in the presence of nonuniform fluid and EM fields, these kinetic equilibria can sustain simultaneously toroidal differential rotation, quasi-stationary finite poloidal flows and temperature anisotropy.

Campaign for Levitation in LDX

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garnier, D. T.; Hansen, A. K.; Mauel, M. E.; Ortiz, E. E.; Boxer, A. C.; Ellsworth, J. L.; Karim, I.; Kesner, J.; Michael, P. C.; Zhukovsky, A.

2006-10-01

In the past year, preparations have been made for the first flight of the Levitated Dipole Experiment (LDX). LDX, which consists of a 560 kg superconducting coil floating within a 5 m diameter vacuum chamber, is designed to study fusion relevant plasmas confined in a dipole magnetic field. During the spring, a high temperature superconducting levitation coil was integrated into the LDX facility. Testing was undertaken to verify the thermal performance of the coil under expected levitation conditions. In addition, a real-time operating system digital control system was developed that will be used for the levitation control. In July, plasma experiments were conducted with all superconducting magnets in operation. While still supported, roughly 75% of the weight of the floating coil was magnetically lifted by the levitation coil above. A series of plasma experiments were conducted with the same magnetic geometry as will be the case during levitation. During August, the second generation launcher system will be installed. The launcher, which retracts beyond the plasma's last closed field lines during operation, is designed to safely catch the floating coil following an unexpected loss of control. After this installation, levitation experiments will commence.

An environmentally-friendly, highly efficient, gas pressure-assisted sample introduction system for ICP-MS and its application to detection of cadmium and lead in human plasma.

PubMed

Cao, Yupin; Deng, Biyang; Yan, Lizhen; Huang, Hongli

2017-05-15

An environmentally friendly and highly efficient gas pressure-assisted sample introduction system (GPASIS) was developed for inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry. A GPASIS consisting of a gas-pressure control device, a customized nebulizer, and a custom-made spray chamber was fabricated. The advantages of this GPASIS derive from its high nebulization efficiencies, small sample volume requirements, low memory effects, good precision, and zero waste emission. A GPASIS can continuously, and stably, nebulize 10% NaCl solution for more than an hour without clogging. Sensitivity, detection limits, precision, long-term stability, double charge and oxide ion levels, nebulization efficiencies, and matrix effects of the sample introduction system were evaluated. Experimental results indicated that the performance of this GPASIS, was equivalent to, or better than, those obtained by conventional sample introduction systems. This GPASIS was successfully used to determine Cd and Pb by ICP-MS in human plasma. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

High-Speed, High-Power Active Control Coils for HBT-EP

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Debono, Bryan

2010-11-01

We report the performance of a newly installed high-speed, high-power active control system for the application of non-symmetric magnetic fields and the study of rotating MHD and resistive wall modes in the HBTEP tokamak. The new control system consists of an array of 120 modular control coils and 40 solid-state, high-power amplifiers that can apply non-symmetric control fields that are more than 10 times larger than previous studies in HBT-EP and exceed 5% of the equilibrium poloidal field strength. Measurements of the current and field response of the control system are presented as a function of frequency and control coil geometry, and these demonstrate the effectiveness of the system to interact with both growing RWM instabilities and long-wavelength modes rotating with the plasma. We describe a research plan to study the interaction of both kink and tearing mode fluctuations with applied static and rotating magnetic perturbations while systematically changing the plasma rotation with a biased molybdenum electrode inserted into the edge plasma.

Effectiveness of a real-time clinical decision support system for computerized physician order entry of plasma orders.

PubMed

Yazer, Mark H; Triulzi, Darrell J; Reddy, Vivek; Waters, Jonathan H

2013-12-01

We investigated the effect of implementing adaptive plasma ordering criteria in the computerized physician order entry (CPOE) system, with alerts that were automatically generated if the recipient's antecedent international normalized ratio (INR) did not meet the institutional criteria. In a regional health care system consisting of 11 hospitals using a common CPOE, data on the number of plasma orders and alerts that were generated were collected over a 4-month period before prescribers were required to select an indication for plasma. When adaptive ordering was implemented prescribers had to choose from prepopulated indications for plasma: INR of 1.6 or greater with bleeding, INR of 1.6 or greater before an invasive procedure, therapeutic exchange, massive transfusion, and other. Regardless of the antecedent INR the alert did not trigger if massive transfusion or plasmapheresis was selected. Information on prescribers and recipients was collected during this 5-month period. In the 4-month period before the adaptive alerts were implemented, 42.9% of the plasma orders generated an alert; in the 5-month period thereafter the alert rate was significantly lower at 27.9% (p < 0.0001). The percentage of heeded alerts increased during the adaptive alert period (24.3% vs. 17.1%, respectively, p = 0.004). A significant percentage (45%) of other plasma orders were for periprocedure or bleeding patients whose antecedent INR was less than 1.6. There were significant differences in prescriber specialties among those who ordered plasma using the other indication compared to all plasma orders. Electronic interventions improve compliance with plasma guidelines but as implemented are not sufficient to completely curtail non-evidence-based ordering. © 2013 American Association of Blood Banks.

Plasma Torch for Plasma Ignition and Combustion of Coal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ustimenko, Alexandr; Messerle, Vladimir

2015-09-01

Plasma-fuel systems (PFS) have been developed to improve coal combustion efficiency. PFS is a pulverized coal burner equipped with arc plasma torch producing high temperature air stream of 4000 - 6000 K. Plasma activation of coal at the PFS increases the coal reactivity and provides more effective ignition and ecologically friendly incineration of low-rank coal. The main and crucial element of PFS is plasma torch. Simplicity and reliability of the industrial arc plasma torches using cylindrical copper cathode and air as plasma forming gas predestined their application at heat and power engineering for plasma aided coal combustion. Life time of these plasma torches electrodes is critical and usually limited to 200 hours. Considered in this report direct current arc plasma torch has the cathode life significantly exceeded 1000 hours. To ensure the electrodes long life the process of hydrocarbon gas dissociation in the electric arc discharge is used. In accordance to this method atoms and ions of carbon from near-electrode plasma deposit on the active surface of the electrodes and form electrode carbon condensate which operates as ``actual'' electrode. Complex physicochemical investigation showed that deposit consists of nanocarbon material.

Development of a low-energy and high-current pulsed neutral beam injector with a washer-gun plasma source for high-beta plasma experiments.

PubMed

Ii, Toru; Gi, Keii; Umezawa, Toshiyuki; Asai, Tomohiko; Inomoto, Michiaki; Ono, Yasushi

2012-08-01

We have developed a novel and economical neutral-beam injection system by employing a washer-gun plasma source. It provides a low-cost and maintenance-free ion beam, thus eliminating the need for the filaments and water-cooling systems employed conventionally. In our primary experiments, the washer gun produced a source plasma with an electron temperature of approximately 5 eV and an electron density of 5 × 10(17) m(-3), i.e., conditions suitable for ion-beam extraction. The dependence of the extracted beam current on the acceleration voltage is consistent with space-charge current limitation, because the observed current density is almost proportional to the 3/2 power of the acceleration voltage below approximately 8 kV. By optimizing plasma formation, we successfully achieved beam extraction of up to 40 A at 15 kV and a pulse length in excess of 0.25 ms. Its low-voltage and high-current pulsed-beam properties enable us to apply this high-power neutral beam injection into a high-beta compact torus plasma characterized by a low magnetic field.

Standing electromagnetic solitons in hot ultra-relativistic electron-positron plasmas

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Heidari, E., E-mail: ehphys75@iaubushehr.ac.ir; Aslaninejad, M.; Eshraghi, H.

2014-03-15

Using a one-dimensional self-consistent fluid model, we investigate standing relativistic bright solitons in hot electron-positron plasmas. The positron dynamics is taken into account. A set of nonlinear coupled differential equations describing the evolution of electromagnetic waves in fully relativistic two-fluid plasma is derived analytically and solved numerically. As a necessary condition for the existence of standing solitons the system should be relativistic. For the case of ultra-relativistic plasma, we investigate non-drifting bright solitary waves. Detailed discussions of the acceptable solutions are presented. New single hump non-trivial symmetric solutions for the scalar potential were found, and single and multi-nodal symmetric andmore » anti-symmetric solutions for the vector potential are presented. It is shown that for a fixed value of the fluid velocity excited modes with more zeros in the profile of the vector potential show a higher magnitude for the scalar potential. An increase in the plasma fluid velocity also increases the magnitude of the scalar potential. Furthermore, the Hamiltonian and the first integral of the system are given.« less

Progress Towards Laser Cooling of an Ultracold Neutral Plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Langin, Thomas; Gorman, Grant; Chen, Zhitao; Chow, Kyle; Killian, Thomas

2017-04-01

We report on progress towards laser-cooling of the ion component of an ultracold neutral plasma (UNP) consisting of 88Sr+. The goal of the experiment is to increase the value of the ion Coulomb Coupling Parameter, Γi, which is the ratio of the average nearest neighbor Coulomb interaction energy to the ion kinetic energy. Currently, Γi is limited to 3 in most UNP systems. We have developed a new photoionization pathway for plasma creation that starts with atoms in a magnetic trap. This allows us to create much larger plasmas (upwards of 109 atoms with a width of 4 mm). This greatly reduces the plasma expansion rate, giving more time for laser cooling. We have also installed lasers for optically pumping atoms out of dark states that are populated during laser cooling. We will discuss these new systems, along with the results of our first attempts at laser-cooling. Supported by NSF and DoE (PHY-0714603), the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (FA9550-12-1-0267), and the Shell Foundation.

Collisionless plasma expansion into vacuum: Two new twists on an old problem

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Arefiev, Alexey V.; Breizman, Boris N.

The paper deals with a generic problem of collisionless plasma expansion into vacuum in the regimes where the expanding plasma consists of hot electrons and cold ions. The expansion is caused by electron pressure and serves as an energy transfer mechanism from electrons to ions. This process is often described under the assumption of Maxwellian electrons, which easily fails in the absence of collisions. The paper discusses two systems with a naturally occurring non-Maxwellian distribution: an expanding laser-irradiated nanoplasma and a supersonic jet coming out of a magnetic nozzle. The presented rigorous kinetic description demonstrates how the deviation from themore » Maxwellian distribution fundamentally alters the process of ion acceleration during plasma expansion. This result points to the critical importance of a fully kinetic treatment in problems with collisionless plasma expansion.« less

Collisionless plasma expansion into vacuum: Two new twists on an old problema)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arefiev, Alexey V.; Breizman, Boris N.

2009-05-01

The paper deals with a generic problem of collisionless plasma expansion into vacuum in the regimes where the expanding plasma consists of hot electrons and cold ions. The expansion is caused by electron pressure and serves as an energy transfer mechanism from electrons to ions. This process is often described under the assumption of Maxwellian electrons, which easily fails in the absence of collisions. The paper discusses two systems with a naturally occurring non-Maxwellian distribution: an expanding laser-irradiated nanoplasma and a supersonic jet coming out of a magnetic nozzle. The presented rigorous kinetic description demonstrates how the deviation from the Maxwellian distribution fundamentally alters the process of ion acceleration during plasma expansion. This result points to the critical importance of a fully kinetic treatment in problems with collisionless plasma expansion.

Investigation of flame structure in plasma-assisted turbulent premixed methane-air flame

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hualei, ZHANG; Liming, HE; Jinlu, YU; Wentao, QI; Gaocheng, CHEN

2018-02-01

The mechanism of plasma-assisted combustion at increasing discharge voltage is investigated in detail at two distinctive system schemes (pretreatment of reactants and direct in situ discharge). OH-planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) technique is used to diagnose the turbulent structure methane-air flame, and the experimental apparatus consists of dump burner, plasma-generating system, gas supply system and OH-PLIF system. Results have shown that the effect of pretreatment of reactants on flame can be categorized into three regimes: regime I for voltage lower than 6.6 kV; regime II for voltage between 6.6 and 11.1 kV; and regime III for voltage between 11.1 and 12.5 kV. In regime I, aerodynamic effect and slower oxidation of higher hydrocarbons generated around the inner electrode tip plays a dominate role, while in regime III, the temperature rising effect will probably superimpose on the chemical effect and amplify it. For wire-cylinder dielectric barrier discharge reactor with spatially uneven electric field, the amount of radicals and hydrocarbons are decreased monotonically in radial direction which affects the flame shape. With regard to in situ plasma discharge in flames, the discharge pattern changes from streamer type to glow type. Compared with the case of reactants pretreatment, the flame propagates further in the upstream direction. In the discharge region, the OH intensity is highest for in situ plasma assisted combustion, indicating that the plasma energy is coupled into flame reaction zone.

Plasma flame for mass purification of contaminated air with chemical and biological warfare agents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uhm, Han S.; Shin, Dong H.; Hong, Yong C.

2006-09-01

An elimination of airborne simulated chemical and biological warfare agents was carried out by making use of a plasma flame made of atmospheric plasma and a fuel-burning flame, which can purify the interior air of a large volume in isolated spaces such as buildings, public transportation systems, and military vehicles. The plasma flame generator consists of a microwave plasma torch connected in series to a fuel injector and a reaction chamber. For example, a reaction chamber, with the dimensions of a 22cm diameter and 30cm length, purifies an airflow rate of 5000lpm contaminated with toluene (the simulated chemical agent) and soot from a diesel engine (the simulated aerosol for biological agents). Large volumes of purification by the plasma flame will free mankind from the threat of airborne warfare agents. The plasma flame may also effectively purify air that is contaminated with volatile organic compounds, in addition to eliminating soot from diesel engines as an environmental application.

Magnetic Reconnection during Turbulence: Statistics of X-Points and Heating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shay, M. A.; Haggerty, C. C.; Parashar, T.; Matthaeus, W. H.; Phan, T.; Drake, J. F.; Servidio, S.; Wan, M.

2017-12-01

Magnetic reconnection is a ubiquitous plasma phenomenon that has been observed in turbulent plasma systems. It is an important part of the turbulent dynamics and heating of space, laboratory and astrophysical plasmas. Recent simulation and observational studies have detailed how magnetic reconnection heats plasma and this work has developed to the point where it can be applied to larger and more complex plasma systems. In this context, we examine the statistics of magnetic reconnection in fully kinetic PIC simulations to quantify the role of magnetic reconnection on energy dissipation and plasma heating. Most notably, we study the time evolution of these x-line statistics in decaying turbulence. First, we examine the distribution of reconnection rates at the x-points found in the simulation and find that their distribution is broader than the MHD counterpart, and the average value is approximately 0.1. Second, we study the time evolution of the x-points to determine when reconnection is most active in the turbulence. Finally, using our findings on these statistics, reconnection heating predictions are applied to the regions surrounding the identified x-points and this is used to study the role of magnetic reconnection in turbulent heating of plasma. The ratio of ion to electron heating rates is found to be consistent with magnetic reconnection predictions.

Arterial and venous plasma levels of bupivacaine following peripheral nerve blocks.

PubMed

Moore, D C; Mather, L E; Bridenbaugh, L D; Balfour, R I; Lysons, D F; Horton, W G

1976-01-01

Mean arterial plasma (MAP) and peripheral mean venous plasma (MVP) levels of bupivacaine were ascertained in 3 groups of 10 patients each for: (1) intercostal nerve block, 400 mg; (2) block of the sciatic, femoral, and lateral femoral cutaneous nerves, with or without block of the obturator nerve, 400 mg; and (3) supraclavicular brachial plexus block, 300 mg. MAP levels were consistently higher than simultaneously sampled MVP levels, the highest levels occurring from bilateral intercostal nerve block. No evidence of systemic toxicity was observed. The results suggest that bupivacaine has a much wider margin of safety in humans than is now stated.

Ultrashort electron pulses as a four-dimensional diagnosis of plasma dynamics.

PubMed

Zhu, P F; Zhang, Z C; Chen, L; Li, R Z; Li, J J; Wang, X; Cao, J M; Sheng, Z M; Zhang, J

2010-10-01

We report an ultrafast electron imaging system for real-time examination of ultrafast plasma dynamics in four dimensions. It consists of a femtosecond pulsed electron gun and a two-dimensional single electron detector. The device has an unprecedented capability of acquiring a high-quality shadowgraph image with a single ultrashort electron pulse, thus permitting the measurement of irreversible processes using a single-shot scheme. In a prototype experiment of laser-induced plasma of a metal target under moderate pump intensity, we demonstrated its unique capability of acquiring high-quality shadowgraph images on a micron scale with a-few-picosecond time resolution.

A generalized semikinetic (GSK) model for mesoscale auroral plasma transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, David Gillespie

1993-12-01

The auroral region of the Earth's ionosphere-magnetosphere system is a complex and active part of the Earth's environment. In order to study the transport of ionospheric plasma in this region, we have developed a generalized semikinetic (GSK) model which combines the tracking of ionospheric ion gyrocenters (between stochastic impulses from waves), with a generalized fluid treatment of ionospheric electrons and Liouville mapping of magnetospheric plasma components. This model has been used to simulate the effects of 'self-consistent' heating ('self consistent' in the sense that heating occurs only where the modelled plasma is unstable) due to the current-driven ion cyclotron instability in the return current regions. Our results include generation of 'conics' whose wings are drawn in towards the upsilon(parallel)-axis at higher energies (such distributions were subsequently found in recent studies of DE-1 data for this region) and an alternative formation mechanism for toroidal (or 'ring'-shaped) ion velocity-space distributions. We also present results illustrating the effects of combining large scale electric fields (generated by anisotropic magnetospheric plasma distributions) with wave heating by a presumed distribution of wave spectra. In the presence of an upwards electric field the addition of wave heating increases the density of the O(sup +) 'beam' ('ion feeder' effect), while a downwards hot plasma-induced electric field increases the time which ions spend within the heating region ('pressure cooker' effect), resulting in greater ion energization.

Laser-plasma accelerator-based single-cycle attosecond undulator source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tibai, Z.; Tóth, Gy.; Nagyváradi, A.; Sharma, A.; Mechler, M. I.; Fülöp, J. A.; Almási, G.; Hebling, J.

2018-06-01

Laser-plasma accelerators (LPAs), producing high-quality electron beams, provide an opportunity to reduce the size of free-electron lasers (FELs) to only a few meters. A complete system is proposed here, which is based on FEL technology and consists of an LPA, two undulators, and other magnetic devices. The system is capable to generate carrier-envelope phase stable attosecond pulses with engineered waveform. Pulses with up to 60 nJ energy and 90-400 attosecond duration in the 30-120 nm wavelength range are predicted by numerical simulation. These pulses can be used to investigate ultrafast field-driven electron dynamics in matter.

Surface current balance and thermoelectric whistler wings at airless astrophysical bodies: Cassini at Rhea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teolis, B. D.; Sillanpää, I.; Waite, J. H.; Khurana, K. K.

2014-11-01

Sharp magnetic perturbations found by the Cassini spacecraft at the edge of the Rhea flux tube are consistent with field-aligned flux tube currents. The current system results from the difference of ion and electron gyroradii and the requirement to balance currents on the sharp Rhea surface. Differential-type hybrid codes that solve for ion velocity and magnetic field have an intrinsic difficulty modeling the plasma absorber's sharp surface. We overcome this problem by instead using integral equations to solve for ion and electron currents and obtain agreement with the magnetic perturbations at Rhea's flux tube edge. An analysis of the plasma dispersion relations and Cassini data reveals that field-guided whistler waves initiated by (1) the electron velocity anisotropy in the flux tube and (2) interaction with surface sheath electrostatic waves on topographic scales may facilitate propagation of the current system to large distances from Rhea. Current systems like those at Rhea should occur generally, for plasma absorbers of any size such as spacecraft or planetary bodies, in a wide range of space plasma environments. Motion through the plasma is not essential since the current system is thermodynamic in origin, excited by heat flow into the object. The requirements are a difference of ion and electron gyroradii and a sharp surface, i.e., without a significant thick atmosphere.

KP Equation in a Three-Dimensional Unmagnetized Warm Dusty Plasma with Variable Dust Charge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Shorbagy, Kh. H.; Mahassen, Hania; El-Bendary, Atef Ahmed

2017-12-01

In this work, we investigate the propagation of three-dimensional nonlinear dust-acoustic and dust-Coulomb waves in an unmagnetized warm dusty plasma consisting of electrons, ions, and charged dust particles. The grain charge fluctuation is incorporated through the current balance equation. Using the perturbation method, a Kadomtsev-Petviashvili (KP) equation is obtained. It has been shown that the charge fluctuation would modify the wave structures, and the waves in such systems are unstable due to high-order long wave perturbations.

Arterial and venous plasma levels of bupivacaine following epidural and intercostal nerve blocks.

PubMed

Moore, D C; Mather, L E; Bridenbaugh, P O; Bridenbaugh, L D; Balfour, R I; Lysons, D F; Horton, W G

1976-07-01

Arterial and peripheral venous plasma levels of bupivacaine were determined in 30 patients following epidural anesthesia using 150 and 225 mg, as well as following intercostal nerve block with 400 mg. Arterial levels were consistently higher than levels in simultaneously sampled venous blood, and the highest levels occurred with bilateral intercostal nerve block. No evidence of systemic toxicity was observed. The results suggest that bupivacaine may have a wider margin of safety in man than is now stated.

Long-pulse power-supply system for EAST neutral-beam injectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Zhimin; Jiang, Caichao; Pan, Junjun; Liu, Sheng; Xu, Yongjian; Chen, Shiyong; Hu, Chundong; NBI Team

2017-05-01

The long-pulse power-supply system equipped for the 4 MW beam-power ion source is comprised of three units at ASIPP (Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences): one for the neutral-beam test stand and two for the EAST neutral-beam injectors (NBI-1 and NBI-2, respectively). Each power supply system consists of two low voltage and high current DC power supplies for plasma generation of the ion source, and two high voltage and high current DC power supplies for the accelerator grid system. The operation range of the NB power supply is about 80 percent of the design value, which is the safe and stable operation range. At the neutral-beam test stand, a hydrogen ion beam with a beam pulse of 150 s, beam power of 1.5 MW and beam energy of 50 keV was achieved during the long-pulse testing experiments. The result shows that the power-supply system meets the requirements of the EAST-NBIs fully and lays a basis for achieving plasma heating.

A self-consistent view on plasma-neutral interaction near a wall: plasma acceleration by momentum removal and heating by cold walls

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Rooij, Gerard; den Harder, Niek; Minea, Teofil; Shumack, Amy; de Blank, H.; Plasma Physics Team

2014-10-01

In plasma physics, material walls are generally regarded as perfect sinks for charged particles and their energy. A special case arises when the wall efficiently reflects the neutralized plasma particles (with a significant portion of their kinetic energy) and at the same time the upstream plasma is of sufficiently high density to yield strong neutral-ion coupling (i.e. reflected energy and momentum will not escape from the plasma). Under these conditions, plasma-surface interaction will feedback to the upstream plasma and a self-consistent view on the coupling between plasma and neutrals is required for correct prediction of plasma conditions and plasma-surface interaction. Here, an analytical and numerical study of the fluid equations is combined with experiments (in hydrogen and argon) to construct such a self-consistent view. It shows how plasma momentum removal builds up upstream pressure and causes plasma acceleration towards the wall. It also shows how energy reflection causes plasma heating, which recycles part of the reflected power to the wall and induces additional flow acceleration due to local sound speed increase. The findings are relevant as generic textbook example and are at play in the boundary plasma of fusion devices.

Charging and performance of the CubeSTAR satellite studied by numerical simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miloch, Wojciech; Bekkeng, Tore André; Lindem, Torfinn

2012-07-01

A good understanding of spacecraft-plasma interaction is important for all space missions and experiments. The spacecraft potential is determined by the plasma, photoemission and other currents [1]. A charged object can significantly disturb the surrounding plasma, and lead to wake formation. The wake features, such as ion focusing, can influence the measurements of the plasma by the instruments onboard. A study of this problem using analytical models is difficult and can not account for all phenomena. This has encouraged use of numerical models for self-consistent studies of the plasma-object interactions on a detailed kinetic level [2][3]. With three-dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations [3][4], we address the spacecraft-plasma interaction in various plasma environments, and account for the self-consistent charging of the spacecraft by plasma and photoemission currents. As a specific case, we consider the interactions between plasma and a CubeSTAR satellite. CubeSTAR is a nano-satellite for the space weather studies being constructed in Norway, with the launch scheduled for year 2013. With a novel Langmuir probe system [5], it will measure the absolute electron densities with a high spatial resolution, allowing for studies of small scale plasma irregularities. We perform a systematic study of the role of the wakefield on the measurements with the Langmuir probes onboard the CubeSTAR for the plasma conditions relevant for the planned polar orbit. The simulation results are of relevance also for other spacecraft missions. [1] Whipple E C, Rep. Prog. Phys. 44, 1197 (1981). [2] Roussel J F and Berthelier J J, J. Geophys. Res. 109, A01104 (2004). [3] Yaroshenko V V et al., J. Geophys. Res. 116, A12218 (2011). [4] Miloch W J Kroll M and Block D 2010 Phys. Plasmas 17, 103703 (2010). [5] Bekkeng T A et al. Meas. Sci. Technol. 21, 085903 (2010).

Modelling of low-temperature/large-area distributed antenna array microwave-plasma reactor used for nanocrystalline diamond deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bénédic, Fabien; Baudrillart, Benoit; Achard, Jocelyn

2018-02-01

In this paper we investigate a distributed antenna array Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition system, composed of 16 microwave plasma sources arranged in a 2D matrix, which enables the growth of 4-in. diamond films at low pressure and low substrate temperature by using H2/CH4/CO2 gas chemistry. A self-consistent two-dimensional plasma model developed for hydrogen discharges is used to study the discharge behavior. Especially, the gas temperature is estimated close to 350 K at a position corresponding to the substrate location during the growth, which is suitable for low temperature deposition. Multi-source discharge modeling evidences that the uniformity of the plasma sheet formed by the individual plasmas ignited around each elementary microwave source strongly depends on the distance to the antennas. The radial profile of the film thickness homogeneity may be thus linked to the local variations of species density. Contribution to the topical issue "Plasma Sources and Plasma Processes (PSPP)", edited by Luis Lemos Alves, Thierry Belmonte and Tibeinea Minea.

[Fundamentals of plasma chemistry and its application to drug engineering].

PubMed

Kuzuya, M

1996-04-01

In this review, our novel research works in both low temperature plasma chemistry and solid state plasma chemistry were described. As for low temperature plasma, the ESR study on plasma-induced radicals of several selected conventional polymers was shown including the detailed analyses of the radical structure and the mechanism by which the radicals were formed on typical degradable methacrylic polymers and cross-linkable polystyrene. One of the pharmaceutical applications of the plasma processing for drug delivery system (DDS) was also described, which includes the preparations of double-compressed tablet consisting of drugs as a core material and various types of polymers as a wall material followed by plasma-irradiation on such a tablet. As for solid state plasma, the detailed reaction mechanism of solid state mechanochemical polymerization was shown including the solid state single electron transfer and the special feature of the resulting polymers. The structural criteria for polymerizable monomer derived from the quantum chemical considerations were also established. Based on the above findings, we synthesized various polymeric prodrugs by mechanochemical polymerization and studied the nature of hydrolyses (drug release).

Study and design of the ion cyclotron resonance heating system for the stellarator Wendelstein 7-X

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ongena, J.; Messiaen, A.; Van Eester, D.; Schweer, B.; Dumortier, P.; Durodie, F.; Kazakov, Ye. O.; Louche, F.; Vervier, M.; Koch, R.; Krivska, A.; Lyssoivan, A.; Van Schoor, M.; Wauters, T.; Borsuk, V.; Neubauer, O.; Schmitz, O.; Offermans, G.; Altenburg, Y.; Baylard, C.; Birus, D.; Bozhenkov, S.; Hartmann, D. A.; Kallmeyer, J. P.; Renard, S.; Wolf, R. C.; Fülöp, T.

2014-06-01

The current status of the mechanical and electromagnetic design for the ICRF antenna system for W7-X is presented. Two antenna plugins are discussed: one consisting of a pair of straps with pre-matching to cover the first frequency band, 25-38 MHz, and a second one consisting of two short strap triplets to cover a frequency band around 76 MHz. This paper focusses on the two strap antenna for the lower frequency band. Power coupling of the antenna to a reference plasma profile is studied with the help of the codes TOPICA and Microwave Studio that deliver the scattering matrix needed for the optimization of the geometric parameters of the straps and antenna box. Radiation power spectra for different phasings of the two straps are obtained using the code ANTITER II and different heating scenario are discussed. The potential for heating, fast particle generation, and current drive is discussed. The problem of RF coupling through the plasma edge and of edge power deposition is summarized. Important elements of the complete ion cyclotron resonance heating system are discussed: a resonator circuit with tap feed to limit the maximum voltage in the system, and a decoupler to counterbalance the large mutual coupling between the 2 straps. The mechanical design highlights the challenges encountered with this antenna: adaptation to a large variety of plasma configurations, the limited space within the port to accommodate the necessary matching components and the watercooling needed for long pulse operation.

Space Technology Plasma Issues in 2001

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Garrett, Henry (Editor); Feynman, Joan (Editor); Gabriel, Stephen (Editor)

1986-01-01

The purpose of the workshop was to identify and discuss plasma issues that need to be resolved during the next 10 to 20 years (circa 2001) to facilitate the development of the advanced space technology that will be required 20 or 30 years into the future. The workshop consisted of 2 days of invited papers and 2 sessions of contributed poster papers. During the third day the meeting broke into 5 working groups, each of which held discussions and then reported back to the conference as a whole. The five panels were: Measurements Technology and Active Experiments Working Group; Advanced High-Voltage, High-Power and Energy-Storage Space Systems Working Group; Large Structures and Tethers Working Group; Plasma Interactions and Surface/Materials Effects Working Group; and Beam Plasmas, Electronic Propulsion and Active Experiments Using Beams Working Group.

A dense plasma ultraviolet source

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, J. H.; Mcfarland, D. R.

1978-01-01

The intense ultraviolet emission from the NASA Hypocycloidal-Pinch (HCP) plasma is investigated. The HCP consists of three disk electrodes whose cross section has a configuration similar to the cross section of a Mather-type plasma focus. Plasma foci were produced in deuterium, helium, xenon, and krypton gases in order to compare their emission characteristics. Time-integrated spectra in the wavelength range from 200 nm to 350 nm and temporal variations of the uv emission were obtained with a uv spectrometer and a photomultiplier system. Modifications to enhance uv emission in the iodine-laser pump band (250 to 290 nm) and preliminary results produced by these modifications are presented. Finally, the advantages of the HCP as a uv over use of conventional xenon lamps with respect to power output limit, spectral range, and lifetime are discussed.

Predictor-based multivariable closed-loop system identification of the EXTRAP T2R reversed field pinch external plasma response

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olofsson, K. Erik J.; Brunsell, Per R.; Rojas, Cristian R.; Drake, James R.; Hjalmarsson, Håkan

2011-08-01

The usage of computationally feasible overparametrized and nonregularized system identification signal processing methods is assessed for automated determination of the full reversed-field pinch external plasma response spectrum for the experiment EXTRAP T2R. No assumptions on the geometry of eigenmodes are imposed. The attempted approach consists of high-order autoregressive exogenous estimation followed by Markov block coefficient construction and Hankel matrix singular value decomposition. It is seen that the obtained 'black-box' state-space models indeed can be compared with the commonplace ideal magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) resistive thin-shell model in cylindrical geometry. It is possible to directly map the most unstable autodetected empirical system pole to the corresponding theoretical resistive shell MHD eigenmode.

Design of the high-resolution soft X-ray imaging system on the Joint Texas Experimental Tokamak

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Jianchao; Ding, Yonghua, E-mail: yhding@mail.hust.edu.cn; Zhang, Xiaoqing

2014-11-15

A new soft X-ray diagnostic system has been designed on the Joint Texas Experimental Tokamak (J-TEXT) aiming to observe and survey the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) activities. The system consists of five cameras located at the same toroidal position. Each camera has 16 photodiode elements. Three imaging cameras view the internal plasma region (r/a < 0.7) with a spatial resolution about 2 cm. By tomographic method, heat transport outside from the 1/1 mode X-point during the sawtooth collapse is found. The other two cameras with a higher spatial resolution 1 cm are designed for monitoring local MHD activities respectively in plasma coremore » and boundary.« less

Unified concept of effective one component plasma for hot dense plasmas

DOE PAGES

Clerouin, Jean; Arnault, Philippe; Ticknor, Christopher; ...

2016-03-17

Orbital-free molecular dynamics simulations are used to benchmark two popular models for hot dense plasmas: the one component plasma (OCP) and the Yukawa model. A unified concept emerges where an effective OCP (EOCP) is constructed from the short-range structure of the plasma. An unambiguous ionization and the screening length can be defined and used for a Yukawa system, which reproduces the long-range structure with finite compressibility. Similarly, the dispersion relation of longitudinal waves is consistent with the screened model at vanishing wave number but merges with the OCP at high wave number. Additionally, the EOCP reproduces the overall relaxation timemore » scales of the correlation functions associated with ionic motion. Lastly, in the hot dense regime, this unified concept of EOCP can be fruitfully applied to deduce properties such as the equation of state, ionic transport coefficients, and the ion feature in x-ray Thomson scattering experiments.« less

High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of the beta2-selective adrenergic agonist fenoterol in human plasma after fluorescence derivatization.

PubMed

Kramer, S; Blaschke, G

2001-02-10

A sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic method has been developed for the determination of the beta2-selective adrenergic agonist fenoterol in human plasma. To improve the sensitivity of the method, fenoterol was derivatized with N-(chloroformyl)-carbazole prior to HPLC analysis yielding highly fluorescent derivatives. The assay involves protein precipitation with acetonitrile, liquid-liquid-extraction of fenoterol from plasma with isobutanol under alkaline conditions followed by derivatization with N-(chloroformyl)-carbazole. Reversed-phase liquid chromatographic determination of the fenoterol derivative was performed using a column-switching system consisting of a LiChrospher 100 RP 18 and a LiChrospher RP-Select B column with acetonitrile, methanol and water as mobile phase. The limit of quantitation in human plasma was 376 pg fenoterol/ml. The method was successfully applied for the assay of fenoterol in patient plasma.

The Pioneer 10 plasma analyzer results at Jupiter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wolfe, J. H.

1975-01-01

Results are reported for the Pioneer 10 plasma-analyzer experiment at Jupiter. The analyzer system consisted of dual 90-deg quadrispherical electrostatic analyzers, multiple charged-particle detectors, and attendant electronics; it was capable of determining the incident plasma-distribution parameters over the energy range from 100 to 18,000 eV for protons and from approximately 1 to 500 eV for electrons. Data are presented on the interaction between the solar wind and the Jovian magnetosphere, the interplanetary ion flux, observations of the magnetosheath plasma, and traversals of the bow shock and magnetopause. Values are estimated for the proton isotropic temperature, number density, and bulk velocity within the magnetosheath flow field as well as for the beta parameter, ion number density, and magnetic-energy density of the magnetospheric plasma. It is argued that Jupiter has a reasonably thick magnetosphere somewhat similar to earth's except for the vastly different scale sizes involved.

Drift wave turbulence simulations in LAPD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Popovich, P.; Umansky, M.; Carter, T. A.; Auerbach, D. W.; Friedman, B.; Schaffner, D.; Vincena, S.

2009-11-01

We present numerical simulations of turbulence in LAPD plasmas using the 3D electromagnetic code BOUT (BOUndary Turbulence). BOUT solves a system of fluid moment equations in a general toroidal equlibrium geometry near the plasma boundary. The underlying assumptions for the validity of the fluid model are well satisfied for drift waves in LAPD plasmas (typical plasma parameters ne˜1x10^12cm-3, Te˜10eV, and B ˜1kG), which makes BOUT a perfect tool for simulating LAPD. We have adapted BOUT for the cylindrical geometry of LAPD and have extended the model to include the background flows required for simulations of recent bias-driven rotation experiments. We have successfully verified the code for several linear instabilities, including resistive drift waves, Kelvin-Helmholtz and rotation-driven interchange. We will discuss first non-linear simulations and quasi-stationary solutions with self-consistent plasma flows and saturated density profiles.

A symbiotic approach to fluid equations and non-linear flux-driven simulations of plasma dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Halpern, Federico

2017-10-01

The fluid framework is ubiquitous in studies of plasma transport and stability. Typical forms of the fluid equations are motivated by analytical work dating several decades ago, before computer simulations were indispensable, and can be, therefore, not optimal for numerical computation. We demonstrate a new first-principles approach to obtaining manifestly consistent, skew-symmetric fluid models, ensuring internal consistency and conservation properties even in discrete form. Mass, kinetic, and internal energy become quadratic (and always positive) invariants of the system. The model lends itself to a robust, straightforward discretization scheme with inherent non-linear stability. A simpler, drift-ordered form of the equations is obtained, and first results of their numerical implementation as a binary framework for bulk-fluid global plasma simulations are demonstrated. This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Fusion Energy Sciences, Theory Program, under Award No. DE-FG02-95ER54309.

Electron transport in biomolecular gaseous and liquid systems: theory, experiment and self-consistent cross-sections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

White, R. D.; Cocks, D.; Boyle, G.; Casey, M.; Garland, N.; Konovalov, D.; Philippa, B.; Stokes, P.; de Urquijo, J.; González-Magaña, O.; McEachran, R. P.; Buckman, S. J.; Brunger, M. J.; Garcia, G.; Dujko, S.; Petrovic, Z. Lj

2018-05-01

Accurate modelling of electron transport in plasmas, plasma-liquid and plasma-tissue interactions requires (i) the existence of accurate and complete sets of cross-sections, and (ii) an accurate treatment of electron transport in these gaseous and soft-condensed phases. In this study we present progress towards the provision of self-consistent electron-biomolecule cross-section sets representative of tissue, including water and THF, by comparison of calculated transport coefficients with those measured using a pulsed-Townsend swarm experiment. Water–argon mixtures are used to assess the self-consistency of the electron-water vapour cross-section set proposed in de Urquijo et al (2014 J. Chem. Phys. 141 014308). Modelling of electron transport in liquids and soft-condensed matter is considered through appropriate generalisations of Boltzmann’s equation to account for spatial-temporal correlations and screening of the electron potential. The ab initio formalism is applied to electron transport in atomic liquids and compared with available experimental swarm data for these noble liquids. Issues on the applicability of the ab initio formalism for krypton are discussed and addressed through consideration of the background energy of the electron in liquid krypton. The presence of self-trapping (into bubble/cluster states/solvation) in some liquids requires a reformulation of the governing Boltzmann equation to account for the combined localised–delocalised nature of the resulting electron transport. A generalised Boltzmann equation is presented which is highlighted to produce dispersive transport observed in some liquid systems.

Two-dimensional vacuum ultraviolet images in different MHD events on the EAST tokamak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhijun, WANG; Xiang, GAO; Tingfeng, MING; Yumin, WANG; Fan, ZHOU; Feifei, LONG; Qing, ZHUANG; EAST Team

2018-02-01

A high-speed vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) imaging telescope system has been developed to measure the edge plasma emission (including the pedestal region) in the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST). The key optics of the high-speed VUV imaging system consists of three parts: an inverse Schwarzschild-type telescope, a micro-channel plate (MCP) and a visible imaging high-speed camera. The VUV imaging system has been operated routinely in the 2016 EAST experiment campaign. The dynamics of the two-dimensional (2D) images of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) instabilities, such as edge localized modes (ELMs), tearing-like modes and disruptions, have been observed using this system. The related VUV images are presented in this paper, and it indicates the VUV imaging system is a potential tool which can be applied successfully in various plasma conditions.

Digital Plasma Control System for Alcator C-Mod

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferrara, M.; Wolfe, S.; Stillerman, J.; Fredian, T.; Hutchinson, I.

2004-11-01

A digital plasma control system (DPCS) has been designed to replace the present C-Mod system, which is based on hybrid analog-digital computer. The initial implementation of DPCS comprises two 64 channel, 16 bit, low-latency cPCI digitizers, each with 16 analog outputs, controlled by a rack-mounted single-processor Linux server, which also serves as the compute engine. A prototype system employing three older 32 channel digitizers was tested during the 2003-04 campaign. The hybrid's linear PID feedback system was emulated by IDL code executing a synchronous loop, using the same target waveforms and control parameters. Reliable real-time operation was accomplished under a standard Linux OS (RH9) by locking memory and disabling interrupts during the plasma pulse. The DPCS-computed outputs agreed to within a few percent with those produced by the hybrid system, except for discrepancies due to offsets and non-ideal behavior of the hybrid circuitry. The system operated reliably, with no sample loss, at more than twice the 10kHz design specification, providing extra time for implementing more advanced control algorithms. The code is fault-tolerant and produces consistent output waveforms even with 10% sample loss.

Self-consistent electrostatic potential due to trapped plasma in the magnetosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, Ronald H.; Khazanov, George V.

1993-01-01

A steady state solution for the self-consistent electrostatic potential due to a plasma confined in a magnetic flux tube is considered. A steady state distribution function is constructed for the trapped particles from the constants of the motion, in the absence of waves and collisions. Using Liouville's theorem, the particle density along the geomagnetic field is determined and found to depend on the local magnetic field, self-consistent electric potential, and the equatorial plasma distribution function. A hot anisotropic magnetospheric plasma in steady state is modeled by a bi-Maxwellian at the equator. The self-consistent electric potential along the magnetic field is calculated assuming quasineutrality, and the potential drop is found to be approximately equal to the average kinetic energy of the equatorially trapped plasma. The potential is compared with that obtained by Alfven and Faelthammar (1963).

Measurements of electron density and temperature profiles in plasma produced by Nike KrF laser for laser plasma instability research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oh, Jaechul; Weaver, J. L.; Karasik, M.; Chan, L. Y.

2015-08-01

A grid image refractometer (GIR) has been implemented at the Nike krypton fluoride laser facility of the Naval Research Laboratory. This instrument simultaneously measures propagation angles and transmissions of UV probe rays (λ = 263 nm, Δt = 10 ps) refracted through plasma. We report results of the first Nike-GIR measurement on a CH plasma produced by the Nike laser pulse (˜1 ns FWHM) with the intensity of 1.1 × 1015 W/cm2. The measured angles and transmissions were processed to construct spatial profiles of electron density (ne) and temperature (Te) in the underdense coronal region of the plasma. Using an inversion algorithm developed for the strongly refracted rays, the deployed GIR system probed electron densities up to 4 × 1021 cm-3 with the density scale length of 120 μm along the plasma symmetry axis. The resulting ne and Te profiles are verified to be self-consistent with the measured quantities of the refracted probe light.

Plasma Profile Measurements for Laser Fusion Research with the Nike KrF Laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oh, Jaechul; Weaver, J. L.; Serlin, V.; Obenschain, S. P.

2015-11-01

The grid image refractometer of the Nike laser facility (Nike-GIR) has demonstrated the capability of simultaneously measuring electron density (ne) and temperature (Te) profiles of coronal plasma. For laser plasma instability (LPI) research, the first Nike-GIR experiment successfully measured the plasma profiles in density regions up to ne ~ 4 ×1021 cm-3 (22% of the critical density for 248 nm light of Nike) using an ultraviolet probe laser (λp = 263 nm). The probe laser has been recently replaced with a shorter wavelength laser (λp = 213 nm, a 5th harmonic of the Nd:YAG laser) to diagnose a higher density region. The Nike-GIR system is being further extended to measure plasma profiles in the on-going experiment using 135°-separated Nike beam arrays for the cross-beam energy transfer (CBET) studies. We present an overview of the extended Nike-GIR arrangements and a new numerical algorithm to extract self-consistant plasma profiles with the measured quantities. Work supported by DoE/NNSA.

Current-free double layers: A review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Nagendra

2011-12-01

During the last decade, there has been an upsurge in the research on current-free DLs (CFDLs). Research includes theory, laboratory measurements, and various applications of CFDLs ranging from plasma thrusters to acceleration of charged particles in space and astrophysical plasmas. The purpose of this review is to present a unified understanding of the basic plasma processes, which lead to the formation of CFDLs. The review starts with the discussion on early research on electric fields and double layers (DLs) and ion acceleration in planar plasma expansion. The review continues with the formation of DLs and rarefaction shocks (RFS) in expanding plasma with two electron populations with different temperatures. The basic theory mitigating the formation of a CFDL by two-electron temperature population is reviewed; we refer to such CFDLs as double layers structures formation by two-temperature electron populations (TET-CFDLs). Application of TET-CFDLS to ion acceleration in laboratory and space plasmas was discussed including the formation of stationary steady-state DLs. A quite different type of CFDLs forms in a helicon plasma device (HPD), in which plasma abruptly expands from a narrow plasma source tube into a wide diffusion tube with abruptly diverging magnetic fields. The formation mechanism of the CFDL in HPD, referred here as current free double layer structure in helicon plasma device (HPD-CFDL), and its applications are reviewed. The formation of a TET-CFDL is due to the self-consistent separation of the two electron populations parallel to the ambient magnetic field. In contrast, a HPD-CFDL forms due to self-consistent separation of electrons and ion perpendicular to the abruptly diverging magnetic field in conjunction with the conducting wall of the expansion chamber in the HPD. One-dimensional theoretical models of CFDLs based on steady-state solution of Vlasov-Poisson system of equations are briefly discussed. Applications of CFDLs ranging from helicon double-layer thrusters (HDLTs) to the accelerations of ions in space and astrophysical plasmas are summarized.

X-ray Observations of the Bright Old Nova V603 Aquilae

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mukai, K.; Orio, M.

2004-01-01

We report on our Chandra and RXTE observations of the bright old nova, V603 Aql, performed in 2001 April, supplemented by our analysis of archival X-ray data on this object. We find that the RXTE data are contaminated by the Galactic Ridge X-ray emission. After accounting for this effect, we find a high level of aperiodic variability in the RXTE data, at a level consistent with the uncontaminated Chandra data. The Chandra HETG spectrum clearly originates in a multi-temperature plasma. We constrain the possible emission measure distribution of the plasma through a combination of global and local fits. The X-ray luminosity and the spectral shape of V603 Aql resemble those of SS Cyg in transition between quiescence and outburst. The fact that the X-ray flux variability is only weakly energy dependent can be interpreted by supposing that the variability is due to changes in the maximum temperature of the plasma. The plasma density is likely to be high, and the emission region is likely to be compact. Finally, the apparent overabundance of Ne is consistent with V603 Aql being a young system.

Extreme ultraviolet and Soft X-ray diagnostic upgrade on the HBT-EP tokamak: Progress and Results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Desanto, S.; Levesque, J. P.; Battey, A.; Brooks, J. W.; Mauel, M. E.; Navratil, G. A.; Hansen, C. J.

2017-10-01

In order to understand internal MHD mode structure in a tokamak plasma, it is helpful to understand temperature and density fluctuations within that plasma. In the HBT-EP tokamak, the plasma emits bremsstrahlung radiation in the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and soft x-ray (SXR) regimes, and the emitted power is primarily related to electron density and temperature. This radiation is detected by photodiode arrays located at several different angular positions near the plasma's edge, each array making several views through a poloidal slice of plasma. From these measurements a 2-d emissivity profile of that slice can be reconstructed with tomographic algorithms. This profile cannot directly tell us whether the emissivity is due to electron density, temperature, line emission, or charge recombination; however, when combined with information from other diagnostics, it can provide strong evidence of the type of internal mode or modes depending on the temporal-spatial context. We present ongoing progress and results on the installation of a new system that will eventually consist of four arrays of 16 views each and a separate two-color, 16-chord tangential system, which will provide an improved understanding of the internal structure of HBT-EP plasmas. Supported by U.S. DOE Grant DE-FG02-86ER5322.

Theoretical models of non-Maxwellian equilibria for one-dimensional collisionless plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allanson, O.; Neukirch, T.; Wilson, F.; Troscheit, S.

2016-12-01

It is ideal to use exact equilibrium solutions of the steady state Vlasov-Maxwell system to intialise collsionless simulations. However, exact equilibrium distribution functions (DFs) for a given macroscopic configuration are typically unknown, and it is common to resort to using `flow-shifted' Maxwellian DFs in their stead. These DFs may be consistent with a macrosopic system with the target number density and current density, but could well have inaccurate higher order moments. We present recent theoretical work on the `inverse problem in Vlasov-Maxwell equilibria', namely calculating an exact solution of the Vlasov equation for a specific given magnetic field. In particular, we focus on one-dimensional geometries in Cartesian (current sheets) coordinates.1. From 1D fields to Vlasov equilibria: Theory and application of Hermite Polynomials: (O. Allanson, T. Neukirch, S. Troscheit and F. Wilson, Journal of Plasma Physics, 82, 905820306 (2016) [28 pages, Open Access] )2. An exact collisionless equilibrium for the Force-Free Harris Sheet with low plasma beta: (O. Allanson, T. Neukirch, F. Wilson and S. Troscheit, Physics of Plasmas, 22, 102116 (2015) [11 pages, Open Access])3. Neutral and non-neutral collisionless plasma equilibria for twisted flux tubes: The Gold-Hoyle model in a background field (O. Allanson, F. Wilson and T. Neukirch, (2016)) (accepted, Physics of Plasmas)

Electrodeless plasma acceleration system using rotating magnetic field method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Furukawa, T.; Takizawa, K.; Kuwahara, D.; Shinohara, S.

2017-11-01

We have proposed Rotating Magnetic Field (RMF) acceleration method as one of electrodeless plasma accelerations. In our experimental scheme, plasma generated by an rf (radio frequency) antenna, is accelerated by RMF antennas, which consist of two-pair, opposed, facing coils, and these antennas are outside of a discharge tube. Therefore, there is no wear of electrodes, degrading the propulsion performance. Here, we will introduce our RMF acceleration system developed, including the experimental device, e.g., external antennas, a tapered quartz tube, a vacuum chamber, external magnets, and a pumping system. In addition, we can change RMF operation parameters (RMF applied current IRMF and RMF current phase difference ϕ, focusing on RMF current frequency fRMF) by adjusting matching conditions of RMF, and investigate the dependencies on plasma parameters (electron density ne and ion velocity vi); e.g., higher increases of ne and vi (˜360 % and 55 %, respectively) than previous experimental results were obtained by decreasing fRMF from 5 MHz to 0.7 MHz, whose RMF penetration condition was better according to Milroy's expression. Moreover, time-varying component of RMF has been measured directly to survey the penetration condition experimentally.

A model for the nonlocal transport and the associated distribution function deformation in magnetized laser-plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nicolaï, Ph.; Feugeas, J.-L.; Schurtz, G.

2006-06-01

We present a model of nonlocal transport for multidimensional radiation magneto hydrodynamic codes. In laser produced plasmas, it is now believed that the heat transfert can be strongly modified by the nonlocal nature of the electron conduction. Nevertheless other mechanisms as self generated magnetic fields may affect heat transport too. The model described in this work aims at extending the formula of G. Schurtz, Ph. Nicolaï and M. Busquet [1] to magnetized plasmas. A system of nonlocal equations is derived from kinetic equations with self-consistent electric and magnetic fields. These equations are analyzed and applied to a physical problem in order to demonstrate the main features of the model.

Overview of NASA's Pulsed Plasma Thruster Development Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pencil, Eric J.; Kamhawi, Hani; Arrington, Lynn A.

2004-01-01

NASA's Pulsed Plasma Thruster Program consists of flight demonstration experiments, base research, and development efforts being conducted through a combination of in-house work, contracts, and collaborative programs. The program receives sponsorship from Energetics Project, the New Millennium Program, and the Small Business Innovative Research Program. The Energetics Project sponsors basic and fundamental research to increase thruster life, improve thruster performance, and reduce system mass. The New Millennium Program sponsors the in-orbit operation of the Pulsed Plasma Thruster experiment on the Earth Observing 1 spacecraft. The Small Business Innovative Research Program sponsors the development of innovative diamond-film capacitors, piezoelectric ignitors, and advanced fuels. Programmatic background, recent technical accomplishments, and future activities for each programmatic element are provided.

An university-scale pulsed-power system using a bipolar Marx generator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Po-Yu; Yang, Sheng-Hua; Huang, Mei-Feng; Isaps, Natl Cheng Kung Univ Team

2017-10-01

A bipolar Marx generator is being built for x-ray sources or laboratory astrophysics and space research for university-scale laboratory. The system consists of ten stages. In each stage, two 1 μF capacitors connected in series are charged to +/- 30 kV storing 9 kJ of total energy. It delivers a current of 200 kA to the load with a 200 ns rise time during the discharge. It will be used for following three purposes: (1) gas-puff z pinches generating soft x-ray for bio-medical research in the future; (2) generating plasma jets to study interactions between plasma flows and unmagnetized/magnetized obstacles analogous to the interactions between solar winds and planetary magnetic fields or unmagnetized planets; and (3) studying the pinch in a dense plasma focus device. The results of current measurements and circuit characteristics are shown.

Crystallization process of a three-dimensional complex plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steinmüller, Benjamin; Dietz, Christopher; Kretschmer, Michael; Thoma, Markus H.

2018-05-01

Characteristic timescales and length scales for phase transitions of real materials are in ranges where a direct visualization is unfeasible. Therefore, model systems can be useful. Here, the crystallization process of a three-dimensional complex plasma under gravity conditions is considered where the system ranges up to a large extent into the bulk plasma. Time-resolved measurements exhibit the process down to a single-particle level. Primary clusters, consisting of particles in the solid state, grow vertically and, secondarily, horizontally. The box-counting method shows a fractal dimension of df≈2.72 for the clusters. This value gives a hint that the formation process is a combination of local epitaxial and diffusion-limited growth. The particle density and the interparticle distance to the nearest neighbor remain constant within the clusters during crystallization. All results are in good agreement with former observations of a single-particle layer.

Radiated Power and Impurity Concentrations in the EXTRAP-T2R Reversed-Field Pinch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corre, Y.; Rachlew, E.; Cecconello, M.; Gravestijn, R. M.; Hedqvist, A.; Pégourié, B.; Schunke, B.; Stancalie, V.

2005-01-01

A numerical and experimental study of the impurity concentration and radiation in the EXTRAP-T2R device is reported. The experimental setup consists of an 8-chord bolometer system providing the plasma radiated power and a vacuum-ultraviolet spectrometer providing information on the plasma impurity content. The plasma emissivity profile as measured by the bolometric system is peaked in the plasma centre. A one dimensional Onion Skin Collisional-Radiative model (OSCR) has been developed to compute the density and radiation distributions of the main impurities. The observed centrally peaked emissivity profile can be reproduced by OSCR simulations only if finite particle confinement time and charge-exchange processes between plasma impurities and neutral hydrogen are taken into account. The neutral hydrogen density profile is computed with a recycling code. Simulations show that recycling on metal first wall such as in EXTRAP-T2R (stainless steel vacuum vessel and molybdenum limiters) is compatible with a rather high neutral hydrogen density in the plasma centre. Assuming an impurity concentration of 10% for oxygen and 3% for carbon compared with the electron density, the OSCR calculation including lines and continuum emission reproduces about 60% of the total radiated power with a similarly centrally peaked emissivity profile. The centrally peaked emissivity profile is due to low ionisation stages and strongly radiating species in the plasma core, mainly O4+ (Be-like) and C3+ Li-like.

Runaway electron generation and control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esposito, B.; Boncagni, L.; Buratti, P.; Carnevale, D.; Causa, F.; Gospodarczyk Martin-Solis, M., Jr.; Popovic, Z.; Agostini, M.; Apruzzese, G.; Bin, W.; Cianfarani, C.; De Angelis, R.; Granucci, G.; Grosso, A.; Maddaluno, G.; Marocco, D.; Piergotti, V.; Pensa, A.; Podda, S.; Pucella, G.; Ramogida, G.; Rocchi, G.; Riva, M.; Sibio, A.; Sozzi, C.; Tilia, B.; Tudisco, O.; Valisa, M.; FTU Team

2017-01-01

We present an overview of FTU experiments on runaway electron (RE) generation and control carried out through a comprehensive set of real-time (RT) diagnostics/control systems and newly installed RE diagnostics. An RE imaging spectrometer system detects visible and infrared synchrotron radiation. A Cherenkov probe measures RE escaping the plasma. A gamma camera provides hard x-ray radial profiles from RE bremsstrahlung interactions in the plasma. Experiments on the onset and suppression of RE show that the threshold electric field for RE generation is larger than that expected according to a purely collisional theory, but consistent with an increase due to synchrotron radiation losses. This might imply a lower density to be targeted with massive gas injection for RE suppression in ITER. Experiments on active control of disruption-generated RE have been performed through feedback on poloidal coils by implementing an RT boundary-reconstruction algorithm evaluated on magnetic moments. The results indicate that the slow plasma current ramp-down and the simultaneous reduction of the reference plasma external radius are beneficial in dissipating the RE beam energy and population, leading to reduced RE interactions with plasma facing components. RE active control is therefore suggested as a possible alternative or complementary technique to massive gas injection.

Plasma Treated Active Carbon for Capacitive Deionization of Saline Water

DOE PAGES

Zeng, Aiping; Shrestha, Maheshwar; Wang, Keliang; ...

2017-01-01

The plasma treatment on commercial active carbon (AC) was carried out in a capacitively coupled plasma system using Ar + 10% O 2at pressure of 4.0 Torr. The RF plasma power ranged from 50 W to 100 W and the processing time was 10 min. The carbon film electrode was fabricated by electrophoretic deposition. Micro-Raman spectroscopy revealed the highly increased disorder of sp 2C lattice for the AC treated at 75 W. An electrosorption capacity of 6.15 mg/g was recorded for the carbon treated at 75 W in a 0.1 mM NaCl solution when 1.5 V was applied for 5more » hours, while the capacity of the untreated AC was 1.0 mg/g. The plasma treatment led to 5.09 times increase in the absorption capacity. The jump of electrosorption capacity by plasma treatment was consistent with the Raman spectra and electrochemical double layer capacitance. This work demonstrated that plasma treatment was a potentially efficient approach to activating biochar to serve as electrode material for capacitive deionization (CDI).« less

Compact "diode-based" multi-energy soft x-ray diagnostic for NSTX.

PubMed

Tritz, K; Clayton, D J; Stutman, D; Finkenthal, M

2012-10-01

A novel and compact, diode-based, multi-energy soft x-ray (ME-SXR) diagnostic has been developed for the National Spherical Tokamak Experiment. The new edge ME-SXR system tested on NSTX consists of a set of vertically stacked diode arrays, each viewing the plasma tangentially through independent pinholes and filters providing an overlapping view of the plasma midplane which allows simultaneous SXR measurements with coarse sub-sampling of the x-ray spectrum. Using computed x-ray spectral emission data, combinations of filters can provide fast (>10 kHz) measurements of changes in the electron temperature and density profiles providing a method to "fill-in" the gaps of the multi-point Thomson scattering system.

Ion flow measurements during the rotating kink behavior of the central column in the HIST device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamada, S.; Yoshikawa, T.; Hashimoto, S.; Nishioka, T.; Kikuchi, Y.; Fukumoto, N.; Nagata, M.

2007-11-01

Plasma flow is essentially driven in self-organization and magnetic reconnection process of compact spherical torus (ST) and spheromak in the helicity-driven systems. For example, when reversing the external toroidal field of ST, the direction not only of the plasma current but also of the toroidal ion flow is self-reversed during the formation of the flipped ST relaxed states. Mach probe measurement shows that the velocity of the ion flow reversed after the flip increases to about 20 km/s. We have been newly developing an ion Doppler spectrometer (IDS) system using a compact 16 or 64 channel photomultiplier tube (PMT) in order to measure the spatial profile of ion temperature and rotation velocity in the HIST device. The IDS system consists of a light collection system including optical fibers, 1 m-spectrometer and the PMT detector. The optical fibers covered with glass tubes are inserted into the plasma. The glass tubes can be rotated in the poloidal and the toroidal directions. The new IDS system will be applied to observations of ion temperature and plasma rotation in the flipped ST formation and in the MHD control of kinking behaviors of the central column by using the rotating magnetic field (RMF). Preliminary IDS results will be compared to those from Mach probe measurements in space.

Magnetic Reconnection in the Solar Chromosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lukin, Vyacheslav S.; Ni, Lei; Murphy, Nicholas Arnold

2017-08-01

We report on the most recent efforts to accurately and self-consistently model magnetic reconnection processes in the context of the solar chromosphere. The solar chromosphere is a notoriously complex and highly dynamic boundary layer of the solar atmosphere where local variations in the plasma parameters can be of the order of the mean values. At the same time, the interdependence of the physical processes such as magnetic field evolution, local and global energy transfer between internal and electromagnetic plasma energy, radiation transport, plasma reactivity, and dissipation mechanisms make it a particularly difficult system to self-consistently model and understand. Several recent studies have focused on the micro-physics of multi-fluid magnetic reconnection at magnetic nulls in the weakly ionized plasma environment of the lower chromosphere[1-3]. Here, we extend the previous work by considering a range of spatial scales and magnetic field strengths in a configuration with component magnetic reconnection, i.e., for magnetic reconnection with a guide field. We show that in all cases the non-equilibrium reactivity of the plasma and the dynamic interaction among the plasma processes play important roles in determining the structure of the reconnection region. We also speculate as to the possible observables of chromospheric magnetic reconnection and the likely plasma conditions required for generation of Ellerman and IRIS bombs.[1] Leake, Lukin, Linton, and Meier, “Multi-fluid simulations of chromospheric magnetic reconnection in a weakly ionized reacting plasma,” ApJ 760 (2012).[2] Leake, Lukin, and Linton, “Magnetic reconnection in a weakly ionized plasma,” PoP 20 (2013).[3] Murphy and Lukin, “Asymmetric magnetic reconnection in weakly ionized chromospheric plasmas,” ApJ 805 (2015).[*Any opinion, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

No differential effect of beverages sweetened with fructose, high-fructose corn syrup, or glucose on systemic or adipose tissue inflammation in normal-weight to obese adults: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Kuzma, Jessica N; Cromer, Gail; Hagman, Derek K; Breymeyer, Kara L; Roth, Christian L; Foster-Schubert, Karen E; Holte, Sarah E; Weigle, David S; Kratz, Mario

2016-08-01

Sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption and low-grade chronic inflammation are both independently associated with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Fructose, a major component of SSBs, may acutely trigger inflammation, which may be one link between SSB consumption and cardiometabolic disease. We sought to determine whether beverages sweetened with fructose, high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), and glucose differentially influence systemic inflammation [fasting plasma C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 (IL-6) as primary endpoints] acutely and before major changes in body weight. Secondary endpoints included adipose tissue inflammation, intestinal permeability, and plasma fetuin-A as potential mechanistic links between fructose intake and low-grade inflammation. We conducted a randomized, controlled, double-blind, crossover design dietary intervention (the Diet and Systemic Inflammation Study) in 24 normal-weight to obese adults without fructose malabsorption. Participants drank 4 servings/d of fructose-, glucose-, or HFCS-sweetened beverages accounting for 25% of estimated calorie requirements while consuming a standardized diet ad libitum for three 8-d periods. Subjects consumed 116% of their estimated calorie requirement while drinking the beverages with no difference in total energy intake or body weight between groups as reported previously. Fasting plasma concentrations of C-reactive protein and IL-6 did not differ significantly at the end of the 3 diet periods. We did not detect a consistent differential effect of the diets on measures of adipose tissue inflammation except for adiponectin gene expression in adipose tissue (P = 0.005), which was lowest after the glucose phase. We also did not detect consistent evidence of a differential impact of these sugars on measures of intestinal permeability (lactulose:mannitol test, plasma zonulin, and plasma lipopolysaccharide-binding protein). Excessive amounts of fructose, HFCS, and glucose from SSBs consumed over 8 d did not differentially affect low-grade chronic systemic inflammation in normal-weight to obese adults. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01424306. © 2016 American Society for Nutrition.

No differential effect of beverages sweetened with fructose, high-fructose corn syrup, or glucose on systemic or adipose tissue inflammation in normal-weight to obese adults: a randomized controlled trial1

PubMed Central

Cromer, Gail; Breymeyer, Kara L; Roth, Christian L; Weigle, David S

2016-01-01

Background: Sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption and low-grade chronic inflammation are both independently associated with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Fructose, a major component of SSBs, may acutely trigger inflammation, which may be one link between SSB consumption and cardiometabolic disease. Objective: We sought to determine whether beverages sweetened with fructose, high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), and glucose differentially influence systemic inflammation [fasting plasma C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 (IL-6) as primary endpoints] acutely and before major changes in body weight. Secondary endpoints included adipose tissue inflammation, intestinal permeability, and plasma fetuin-A as potential mechanistic links between fructose intake and low-grade inflammation. Design: We conducted a randomized, controlled, double-blind, crossover design dietary intervention (the Diet and Systemic Inflammation Study) in 24 normal-weight to obese adults without fructose malabsorption. Participants drank 4 servings/d of fructose-, glucose-, or HFCS-sweetened beverages accounting for 25% of estimated calorie requirements while consuming a standardized diet ad libitum for three 8-d periods. Results: Subjects consumed 116% of their estimated calorie requirement while drinking the beverages with no difference in total energy intake or body weight between groups as reported previously. Fasting plasma concentrations of C-reactive protein and IL-6 did not differ significantly at the end of the 3 diet periods. We did not detect a consistent differential effect of the diets on measures of adipose tissue inflammation except for adiponectin gene expression in adipose tissue (P = 0.005), which was lowest after the glucose phase. We also did not detect consistent evidence of a differential impact of these sugars on measures of intestinal permeability (lactulose:mannitol test, plasma zonulin, and plasma lipopolysaccharide-binding protein). Conclusion: Excessive amounts of fructose, HFCS, and glucose from SSBs consumed over 8 d did not differentially affect low-grade chronic systemic inflammation in normal-weight to obese adults. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01424306. PMID:27357093

Surface modification of paper on a continuous atmospheric-pressure-plasma system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cruz-Barba, Luis Emilio

Plasma technologies for the continuous modification of materials in atmospheric-pressure-plasma conditions were used to evaluate the surface modification of paper under different plasma conditions. The generation of hydrophobic layers was used to characterize the efficiency of the originally designed system for future application in the paper industry. Generation of hydrophobic layers was carried out by deposition of thin layers from fluorine containing gases, as well as cross-linking of pre-deposited thin layers of hydrophobic materials, such as fluoropolymers and silicones, in a continuous system plasma reactor (CSPR). Physical and chemical characterization of these layers was carried out by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), contact angle goniometry, and water absorption evaluations. Pure gaseous CF4 and a CF4/CH4 mixture were used to deposit fluorinated layers, rendering paper surfaces with low to moderate relative surface atomic contents of fluorine (2.5 to 16.3%). Morphological characterization revealed that the deposition consists of small clusters of fluorinated species scattered on the surface. Contact angle evaluations (50°--70°) indicated a reduction in the water affinity of the paper. Thin layers of fluoropolymer pre-deposited on paper surfaces were cross-linked in the presence of CF4, CF4/CH4, and NH 3 plasmas. All of the gases proved to be effective for the cross-linking under different conditions. These cross-linked layers were determined to maintain the original polymer structure, consisting mainly of CF2-CF 2 and small quantities of CFx. Surface characterization by AFM indicated lower roughness values compared to the untreated additive-free paper (45.1 vs 67.1 nm). Paper samples treated by this approach showed a highly hydrophobic character with up to 160° contact angles, and water absorption was reduced by as much as 61.6%. Silicone layers were cross-linked in the presence of argon and oxygen plasmas. Characterization of the silicone-coated paper indicated, as in the case of fluoropolymers, the retention of the original chemical structure. Surface roughness values (AFM) were in the range of 11.8 to 18.2 nm, evidence of a very smooth surface. High hydrophobicity levels were reached, as shown by contact angles of up to 126°, and water absorption showed a maximum reduction of 76.8%.

Universal attractor in a highly occupied non-Abelian plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berges, J.; Boguslavski, K.; Schlichting, S.; Venugopalan, R.

2014-06-01

We study the thermalization process in highly occupied non-Abelian plasmas at weak coupling. The nonequilibrium dynamics of such systems is classical in nature and can be simulated with real-time lattice gauge theory techniques. We provide a detailed discussion of this framework and elaborate on the results reported in J. Berges, K. Boguslavski, S. Schlichting, and R. Venugopalan, Phys. Rev. D 89, 074011 (2014), 10.1103/PhysRevD.89.074011 along with novel findings. We demonstrate the emergence of universal attractor solutions, which govern the nonequilibrium evolution on large time scales both for nonexpanding and expanding non-Abelian plasmas. The turbulent attractor for a nonexpanding plasma drives the system close to thermal equilibrium on a time scale t ˜Q-1αs-7/4. The attractor solution for an expanding non-Abelian plasma leads to a strongly interacting albeit highly anisotropic system at the transition to the low-occupancy or quantum regime. This evolution in the classical regime is, within the uncertainties of our simulations, consistent with the "bottom up" thermalization scenario [R. Baier, A. H. Mueller, D. Schiff, and D. T. Son, Phys. Lett. B 502, 51 (2001), 10.1016/S0370-2693(01)00191-5]. While the focus of this paper is to understand the nonequilibrium dynamics in weak coupling asymptotics, we also discuss the relevance of our results for larger couplings in the early time dynamics of heavy ion collision experiments.

Simultaneous measurements of ion and electron currents using a novel compact electrostatic end-loss-current detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirata, M.; Miyake, Y.; Cho, T.; Kohagura, J.; Numakura, T.; Shimizu, K.; Ito, M.; Kiminami, S.; Morimoto, N.; Hirai, K.; Yamagishi, T.; Miyata, Y.; Nakashima, Y.; Miyoshi, S.; Ogura, K.; Kondoh, T.; Kariya, T.

2006-10-01

For the purpose of end-loss-ion and -electron analyses in open-field plasmas, a compact-sized electrostatic end-loss-current detector is proposed on the basis of a self-collection principle for suppressing the effects of secondary-electron emission from a metal collector. For employing this specific method, it is worth noting that no further additional magnetic systems except the ambient open-ended magnetic fields are required in the detector operation. This characteristic property provides a compactness of the total detection system and availability for its use in plasma confinement devices without disturbing plasma-confining magnetic fields. The detector consists of a set of parallel metal plates with respect to lines of ambient magnetic forces of a plasma device for analyzing incident ion currents along with a grid for shielding the collector against strays due to the metal-plate biasing. The characterization experiments are carried out by the use of a test-ion-beam line along with an additional use of a Helmholtz coil system for the formation of open magnetic fields similar to those in the GAMMA 10 end region. The applications of the developed end-loss-current detector in the GAMMA 10 plasma experiments are demonstrated under the conditions with simultaneous incidence of energetic electrons produced by electron-cyclotron heatings for end-loss-plugging potential formation.

Stationary Flowing Liquid Lithium (SFLiLi) systems for tokamaks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zakharov, Leonid; Gentile, Charles; Roquemore, Lane

2013-10-01

The present approach to magnetic fusion which relies on high recycling plasma-wall interaction has exhausted itself at the level of TFTR, JET, JT-60 devices with no realistic path to the burning plasma. Instead, magnetic fusion needs a return to its original idea of insulation of the plasma from the wall, which was the dominant approach in the 1970s and upon implementations has a clear path to the DEMO device with PDT ~= 100 MW and Qelectric > 1 . The SFLiLi systems of this talk is the technology tool for implementation of the guiding idea of magnetic fusion. It utilizes the unique properties of flowing LiLi to pump plasma particles and, thus, insulate plasma from the walls. The necessary flow rate, ~= 1 g3/s, is very small, thus, making the use of lithium practical and consistent with safety requirements. The talk describes how chemical activity of LiLi, which is the major technology challenge of using LiLi in tokamaks, is addressed by SFLiLi systems at the level of already performed (HT-7) experiment, and in ongoing implementations for a prototype of SFLiLi for tokamak divertors and the mid-plane limiter for EAST tokamak (to be tested in the next experimental campaign). This work is supported by US DoE contract No. DE-AC02-09-CH11466.

Neoclassical simulation of tokamak plasmas using the continuum gyrokinetic code TEMPEST.

PubMed

Xu, X Q

2008-07-01

We present gyrokinetic neoclassical simulations of tokamak plasmas with a self-consistent electric field using a fully nonlinear (full- f ) continuum code TEMPEST in a circular geometry. A set of gyrokinetic equations are discretized on a five-dimensional computational grid in phase space. The present implementation is a method of lines approach where the phase-space derivatives are discretized with finite differences, and implicit backward differencing formulas are used to advance the system in time. The fully nonlinear Boltzmann model is used for electrons. The neoclassical electric field is obtained by solving the gyrokinetic Poisson equation with self-consistent poloidal variation. With a four-dimensional (psi,theta,micro) version of the TEMPEST code, we compute the radial particle and heat fluxes, the geodesic-acoustic mode, and the development of the neoclassical electric field, which we compare with neoclassical theory using a Lorentz collision model. The present work provides a numerical scheme for self-consistently studying important dynamical aspects of neoclassical transport and electric field in toroidal magnetic fusion devices.

Neoclassical simulation of tokamak plasmas using the continuum gyrokinetic code TEMPEST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, X. Q.

2008-07-01

We present gyrokinetic neoclassical simulations of tokamak plasmas with a self-consistent electric field using a fully nonlinear (full- f ) continuum code TEMPEST in a circular geometry. A set of gyrokinetic equations are discretized on a five-dimensional computational grid in phase space. The present implementation is a method of lines approach where the phase-space derivatives are discretized with finite differences, and implicit backward differencing formulas are used to advance the system in time. The fully nonlinear Boltzmann model is used for electrons. The neoclassical electric field is obtained by solving the gyrokinetic Poisson equation with self-consistent poloidal variation. With a four-dimensional (ψ,θ,γ,μ) version of the TEMPEST code, we compute the radial particle and heat fluxes, the geodesic-acoustic mode, and the development of the neoclassical electric field, which we compare with neoclassical theory using a Lorentz collision model. The present work provides a numerical scheme for self-consistently studying important dynamical aspects of neoclassical transport and electric field in toroidal magnetic fusion devices.

Alcator C-Mod Digital Plasma Control System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wolfe, S. M.

2005-10-01

A new digital plasma control system (DPCS) has been implemented for Alcator C-Mod. The new system was put into service at the start of the 2005 run campaign and has been in routine operation since. The system consists of two 64-input, 16-output cPCI digitizers attached to a rack-mounted single-CPU Linux server, which performs both the I/O and the computation. During initial operation, the system was set up to directly emulate the original C-Mod ``Hybrid'' MIMO linear control system. Compatibility with the previous control system allows the existing user interface software and data structures to be used with the new hardware. The control program is written in IDL and runs under standard Linux. Interrupts are disabled during the plasma pulses to achieve real-time operation. A synchronous loop is executed with a nominal cycle rate of 10 kHz. Emulation of the original linear control algorithms requires 50 μsec per iteration, with the time evenly split between I/O and computation, so rates of about 20 KHz are achievable. Reliable vertical position control has been demonstrated with cycle rates as low as 5 KHz. Additional computations, including non-linear algorithms and adaptive response, are implemented as optional procedure calls within the main real-time loop.

Research Technology

NASA Image and Video Library

1999-05-12

The Gasdynamic Mirror, or GDM, is an example of a magnetic mirror-based fusion propulsion system. Its design is primarily consisting of a long slender solenoid surrounding a vacuum chamber that contains plasma. The bulk of the fusion plasma is confined by magnetic field generated by a series of toroidal-shaped magnets in the center section of the device. the purpose of the GDM Fusion Propulsion Experiment is to confirm the feasibility of the concept and to demonstrate many of the operational characteristics of a full-size plasma can be confined within the desired physical configuration and still reman stable. This image shows an engineer from Propulsion Research Technologies Division at Marshall Space Flight Center inspecting solenoid magnets-A, an integrate part of the Gasdynamic Mirror Fusion Propulsion Engine Experiment.

Reduction of Net Erosion of High-Z Divertor Surface by Local Redeposition in DIII-D

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stangeby, P. C.

2012-10-01

Utilizing the unique capability to expose material samples to well characterized diverted plasmas, recent DIII-D measurements have confirmed theoretical expectations of the relative net and gross erosion rates of molybdenum in the divertor region. Knowledge of these erosion rates is important for predicting first wall lifetime in future fusion devices. Theory suggests that the net erosion rate will be much less than gross erosion due to prompt local deposition of eroded ions by gyro-orbit motion, the strong E-field toward the target and friction with the fast plasma flow toward the target. However, experimental evidence to date has been contradictory. The results here, which are the most definitive to date, are consistent with the basic theoretical predictions. The net and gross erosion rates were measured utilizing 1-cm and 1-mm diameter Mo samples that are mounted on the DIII-D Divertor Material Evaluation System (DiMES) system and simultaneously exposed near the attached outer strike point of an L-mode plasma for 4 s. Due to the spatial extent of the re-deposition, the larger sample gives the net erosion while the smaller sample is indicative of the gross erosion. Post-mortem ion beam analysis (RBS) of the larger sample, indicates a 2.9 nm film thickness reduction (or 0.72 nm/s net erosion rate). Similar analysis of the smaller sample yields a 1.3 nm/s gross erosion rate, consistent with spectroscopic measurements of Mo I emission. The net to gross erosion ratio of 0.56 is consistent with calculations using a modeling package including REDEP/WBS and OEDGE codes. Using as input the measured plasma density and temperature profiles from divertor Langmuir probes, these codes estimate a net to gross erosion ratio of 0.46. Details of the modeling and implications for future devices will be discussed.

Experiments on Plasma Turbulence Created by Supersonic Plasma Flows with Shear

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-04-01

for producing a plasma column (in black). An insulated wire traverses the plasma and car - ries a pulsed current in x-direction. The unmagnetized ions... electric field which together with the B field around the wire causes an electron ExB drift. The ions are unmagnetized. A radial space charge electric field...by the self-consistent currents passing through the grid. These currents, consisting of electron and ion flows, are controlled by the electrical

Plasma membrane organization promotes virulence of the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans

PubMed Central

Douglas, Lois M.; Konopka, James. B.

2017-01-01

Candida albicans is a human fungal pathogen capable of causing lethal systemic infections. The plasma membrane plays key roles in virulence because it not only functions as a protective barrier, it also mediates dynamic functions including secretion of virulence factors, cell wall synthesis, invasive hyphal morphogenesis, endocytosis, and nutrient uptake. Consistent with this functional complexity, the plasma membrane is composed of a wide array of lipids and proteins. These components are organized into distinct domains that will be the topic of this review. Some of the plasma membrane domains that will be described are known to act as scaffolds or barriers to diffusion, such as MCC/eisosomes, septins, and sites of contact with the endoplasmic reticulum. Other zones mediate dynamic processes, including secretion, endocytosis, and a special region at hyphal tips that facilitates rapid growth. The highly organized architecture of the plasma membrane facilitates the coordination of diverse functions and promotes the pathogenesis of C. albicans. PMID:26920878

Incorporation of an Energy Equation into a Pulsed Inductive Thruster Performance Model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polzin, Kurt A.; Reneau, Jarred P.; Sankaran, Kameshwaran

2011-01-01

A model for pulsed inductive plasma acceleration containing an energy equation to account for the various sources and sinks in such devices is presented. The model consists of a set of circuit equations coupled to an equation of motion and energy equation for the plasma. The latter two equations are obtained for the plasma current sheet by treating it as a one-element finite volume, integrating the equations over that volume, and then matching known terms or quantities already calculated in the model to the resulting current sheet-averaged terms in the equations. Calculations showing the time-evolution of the various sources and sinks in the system are presented to demonstrate the efficacy of the model, with two separate resistivity models employed to show an example of how the plasma transport properties can affect the calculation. While neither resistivity model is fully accurate, the demonstration shows that it is possible within this modeling framework to time-accurately update various plasma parameters.

The GOL-NB program: further steps in multiple-mirror confinement research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Postupaev, V. V.; Batkin, V. I.; Beklemishev, A. D.; Burdakov, A. V.; Burmasov, V. S.; Chernoshtanov, I. S.; Gorbovsky, A. I.; Ivanov, I. A.; Kuklin, K. N.; Mekler, K. I.; Rovenskikh, A. F.; Sidorov, E. N.; Yurov, D. V.

2017-03-01

Physical and technical details of the GOL-NB project are presented. GOL-NB is a medium-scale multiple-mirror trap that is under development in the Budker Institute, Novosibirsk, Russia. This device will be created in several years as a deep conversion of the existing GOL-3 facility. It will consist of a central trap with two 0.75 MW neutral beams, two multiple-mirror solenoids, two expander tanks and a plasma gun that creates the start plasma. The central trap with the neutral beam injection-heated plasma is a compact gas-dynamic system. The multiple-mirror sections should decrease the power and particle losses along the magnetic field. The confinement improvement factor depends on plasma parameters and on the magnetic configuration in the multiple mirrors. The main physical task of GOL-NB is direct demonstration of the performance of multiple-mirror sections that will change equilibrium plasma parameters in the central trap. In this paper we discuss results of the scenario modeling and progress in the hardware.

Evidence of Mixed-mode oscillations and Farey arithmetic in double plasma system in presence of fireball

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitra, Vramori; Sarma, Bornali; Sarma, Arun

2017-10-01

Plasma fireballs are luminous glowing region formed around a positively biased electrode. The present work reports the observation of mix mode oscillation (MMO) in the dynamics of plasma oscillations that are excited in the presence of fireball in a double plasma device. Source voltage and applied electrode voltage are considered as the controlling parameters for the experiment. Many sequences of distinct multi peaked periodic states reflects the presence of MMO with the variation of control parameter. The sequences of states with two patterns are characterized well by Farey arithmetic, which provides rational approximations of irrational numbers. These states can be characterized by a firing number, the ratio of the number of small amplitude oscillations to the total number of oscillations per period. The dynamical transition in plasma fireball is also demonstrated by spectral analysis, recurrence quantification analysis (RQA) and by statistical measures viz., skewness and kurtosis. The mix mode phenomenon observed in the experiment is consistent with a model that describes the dynamics of ionization instabilities.

The impact of positrons beam on the propagation of super freak waves in electron-positron-ion plasmas

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ali Shan, S.; National Centre for Physics; Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences

2016-07-15

In this work, we examine the nonlinear propagation of planar ion-acoustic freak waves in an unmagnetized plasma consisting of cold positive ions and superthermal electrons subjected to cold positrons beam. For this purpose, the reductive perturbation method is used to derive a nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE) for the evolution of electrostatic potential wave. We determine the domain of the plasma parameters where the rogue waves exist. The effect of the positron beam on the modulational instability of the ion-acoustic rogue waves is discussed. It is found that the region of the modulational stability is enhanced with the increase of positronmore » beam speed and positron population. Second as positrons beam increases the nonlinearities of the plasma system, large amplitude ion acoustic rogue waves are pointed out. The present results will be helpful in providing a good fit between the theoretical analysis and real applications in future laboratory plasma experiments.« less

Plasma membrane organization promotes virulence of the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans.

PubMed

Douglas, Lois M; Konopka, James B

2016-03-01

Candida albicans is a human fungal pathogen capable of causing lethal systemic infections. The plasma membrane plays key roles in virulence because it not only functions as a protective barrier, it also mediates dynamic functions including secretion of virulence factors, cell wall synthesis, invasive hyphal morphogenesis, endocytosis, and nutrient uptake. Consistent with this functional complexity, the plasma membrane is composed of a wide array of lipids and proteins. These components are organized into distinct domains that will be the topic of this review. Some of the plasma membrane domains that will be described are known to act as scaffolds or barriers to diffusion, such as MCC/eisosomes, septins, and sites of contact with the endoplasmic reticulum. Other zones mediate dynamic processes, including secretion, endocytosis, and a special region at hyphal tips that facilitates rapid growth. The highly organized architecture of the plasma membrane facilitates the coordination of diverse functions and promotes the pathogenesis of C. albicans.

Soft x-ray emission from postpulse expanding laser-produced plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weaver, J. L.; Feldman, U.; Mostovych, A. N.; Seely, J. F.; Colombant, D.; Holland, G.

2003-12-01

A diagnostic spectrometer has been developed at the Naval Research Laboratory to measure the time resolved absolute intensity of radiation emitted from targets irradiated by the Nike laser. The spectrometer consists of a dispersive transmission grating of 2500 lines/mm or 5000 lines/mm and a detection system consisting of an absolutely calibrated Si photodiode array and a charge coupled device camera. In this article, this spectrometer was used to study the spatial distribution of soft x-ray radiation from low Z elements (primarily carbon) that lasted tens of nanoseconds after the main laser illumination was over. We recorded soft x-ray emission as a function of the target material and target orientation with respect to the incoming laser beam and the spectrometer line of sight. While a number of spectral features have been identified in the data, the instrument's combined temporal and spatial resolution allowed observation of the plasma expansion from CH targets for up to ˜25 ns after the cessation of the main laser pulse. The inferred plasma expansion velocities are slightly higher than those previously reported.

Terminator field-aligned current system: A new finding from model-assimilated data set (MADS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, L.; Schunk, R. W.; Scherliess, L.; Sojka, J. J.; Gardner, L. C.; Eccles, J. V.; Rice, D.

2013-12-01

Physics-based data assimilation models have been recognized by the space science community as the most accurate approach to specify and forecast the space weather of the solar-terrestrial environment. The model-assimilated data sets (MADS) produced by these models constitute an internally consistent time series of global three-dimensional fields whose accuracy can be estimated. Because of its internal consistency of physics and completeness of descriptions on the status of global systems, the MADS has also been a powerful tool to identify the systematic errors in measurements, reveal the missing physics in physical models, and discover the important dynamical physical processes that are inadequately observed or missed by measurements due to observational limitations. In the past years, we developed a data assimilation model for the high-latitude ionospheric plasma dynamics and electrodynamics. With a set of physical models, an ensemble Kalman filter, and the ingestion of data from multiple observations, the data assimilation model can produce a self-consistent time-series of the complete descriptions of the global high-latitude ionosphere, which includes the convection electric field, horizontal and field-aligned currents, conductivity, as well as 3-D plasma densities and temperatures, In this presentation, we will show a new field-aligned current system discovered from the analysis of the MADS produced by our data assimilation model. This new current system appears and develops near the ionospheric terminator. The dynamical features of this current system will be described and its connection to the active role of the ionosphere in the M-I coupling will be discussed.

Progress On The Thomson Scattering Diagnostic For The Helicon Plasma Experiment (HPX)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Green, A.; Emami, T.; Davies, R.; Frank, J.; Hopson, J.; Karama, J.; James, R. W.; Hopson, J.; Paolino, R. N.; Sandri, E.; Turk, J.; Wicke, M.; Cgapl Team

2017-10-01

A high-performance spectrometer utilizing volume-phase-holographic (VPH) grating and a charge coupled device (CCD) camera with a range of 380-1090 nm and resolution of 1024x1024 has been assembled on HPX at the Coast Guard Academy Plasma Laboratory (CGAPL). This spectrometer will collect doppler shifted photons, emitted from the plasma by the first harmonic (1064 nm) of a 2.5 J Nd:YAG laser. Direct measurements of the plasma's temperature and density will be determined using HPX's Thomson Scattering (TS) single spatial point diagnostic system. A zero order half wave plate rotates the polarization of the second harmonic TS laser beam when operating at a wavelength of 532 nm. A linear actuated periscope has been constructed to remotely redirect the beam so that 532 and 1064 nm wavelengths can both be used. TS has the capability of determining plasma properties on short time scales and will be used to create a robust picture of the internal plasma parameters. Operating at both 532 and 1064 nm results in a self-consistent measurement and better use our existing spectrometer and soon to be constructed polychrometer. A prototype spectrometer has been constructed to explore the Andor CCD camera's resolution and sensitivity. The current status of the diagnostic development, spectrometer, and collection optics system will be reported. Supported by U.S. DEPS Grant [HEL-JTO] PRWJFY17.

Equilibrium statistical mechanics of self-consistent wave-particle system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elskens, Yves

2005-10-01

The equilibrium distribution of N particles and M waves (e.g. Langmuir) is analysed in the weak-coupling limit for the self-consistent hamiltonian model H = ∑rpr^2 /(2m) + ∑jφjIj+ ɛ∑r,j(βj/ kj) (kjxr- θj) [1]. In the canonical ensemble, with temperature T and reservoir velocity v < jφj/kj, the wave intensities are almost independent and exponentially distributed, with expectation = kBT / (φj- kjv). These equilibrium predictions are in agreement with Monte Carlo samplings [2] and with direct simulations of the dynamics, indicating equivalence between canonical and microcanonical ensembles. [1] Y. Elskens and D.F. Escande, Microscopic dynamics of plasmas and chaos (IoP publishing, Bristol, 2003). [2] M-C. Firpo and F. Leyvraz, 30th EPS conf. contr. fusion and plasma phys., P-2.8 (2003).

Modeling the total dust production of Enceladus from stochastic charge equilibrium and simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meier, Patrick; Motschmann, Uwe; Schmidt, Jürgen; Spahn, Frank; Hill, Thomas W.; Dong, Yaxue; Jones, Geraint H.; Kriegel, Hendrik

2015-12-01

Negatively and positively charged nano-sized ice grains were detected in the Enceladus plume by the Cassini Plasma Spectrometer (CAPS). However, no data for uncharged grains, and thus for the total amount of dust, are available. In this paper we estimate this population of uncharged grains based on a model of stochastic charging in thermodynamic equilibrium and on the assumption of quasi-neutrality in the plasma-dust system. This estimation is improved upon by combining simulations of the dust component of the plume and simulations for the plasma environment into one self-consistent model. Calibration of this model with CAPS data provides a total dust production rate of about 12 kg s-1, including larger dust grains up to a few microns in size. We find that the fraction of charged grains dominates over that of the uncharged grains. Moreover, our model reproduces densities of both negatively and positively charged nanograins measured by Cassini CAPS. In Enceladus' plume ion densities up to ~104cm-3 are required by the self-consistent model, resulting in an electron depletion of about 50% in the plasma, because electrons are attached to the negatively charged nanograins. These ion densities correspond to effective ionization rates of about 10-7s-1, which are about two orders of magnitude higher than expected.

Plasma nitriding monitoring reactor: A model reactor for studying plasma nitriding processes using an active screen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamann, S.; Börner, K.; Burlacov, I.; Spies, H.-J.; Strämke, M.; Strämke, S.; Röpcke, J.

2015-12-01

A laboratory scale plasma nitriding monitoring reactor (PLANIMOR) has been designed to study the basics of active screen plasma nitriding (ASPN) processes. PLANIMOR consists of a tube reactor vessel, made of borosilicate glass, enabling optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and infrared absorption spectroscopy. The linear setup of the electrode system of the reactor has the advantages to apply the diagnostic approaches on each part of the plasma process, separately. Furthermore, possible changes of the electrical field and of the heat generation, as they could appear in down-scaled cylindrical ASPN reactors, are avoided. PLANIMOR has been used for the nitriding of steel samples, achieving similar results as in an industrial scale ASPN reactor. A compact spectrometer using an external cavity quantum cascade laser combined with an optical multi-pass cell has been applied for the detection of molecular reaction products. This allowed the determination of the concentrations of four stable molecular species (CH4, C2H2, HCN, and NH3). With the help of OES, the rotational temperature of the screen plasma could be determined.

Beam-Plasma Interaction Experiments on the Princeton Advanced Test Stand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stepanov, A.; Gilson, E. P.; Grisham, L.; Kaganovich, I. D.; Davidson, R. C.

2011-10-01

The Princeton Advanced Test Stand (PATS) is a compact experimental facility for studying the fundamental physics of intense beam-plasma interactions relevant to the Neutralized Drift Compression Experiment - II (NDCX-II). The PATS facility consists of a 100 keV ion beam source mounted on a six-foot-long vacuum chamber with numerous ports for diagnostic access. A 100 keV Ar+ beam is launched into a volumetric plasma, which is produced by a ferroelectric plasma source (FEPS). Beam diagnostics upstream and downstream of the FEPS allow for detailed studies of the effects that the plasma has on the beam. This setup is designed for studying the dependence of charge and current neutralization and beam emittance growth on the beam and plasma parameters. This work reports initial measurements of beam quality produced by the extraction electrodes that were recently installed on the PATS device. The transverse beam phase space is measured with double-slit emittance scanners, and the experimental results are compared to WARP simulations of the extraction system. This research is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Laser-heated emissive plasma probe.

PubMed

Schrittwieser, Roman; Ionita, Codrina; Balan, Petru; Gstrein, Ramona; Grulke, Olaf; Windisch, Thomas; Brandt, Christian; Klinger, Thomas; Madani, Ramin; Amarandei, George; Sarma, Arun K

2008-08-01

Emissive probes are standard tools in laboratory plasmas for the direct determination of the plasma potential. Usually they consist of a loop of refractory wire heated by an electric current until sufficient electron emission. Recently emissive probes were used also for measuring the radial fluctuation-induced particle flux and other essential parameters of edge turbulence in magnetized toroidal hot plasmas [R. Schrittwieser et al., Plasma Phys. Controlled Fusion 50, 055004 (2008)]. We have developed and investigated various types of emissive probes, which were heated by a focused infrared laser beam. Such a probe has several advantages: higher probe temperature without evaporation or melting and thus higher emissivity and longer lifetime, no deformation of the probe in a magnetic field, no potential drop along the probe wire, and faster time response. The probes are heated by an infrared diode laser with 808 nm wavelength and an output power up to 50 W. One probe was mounted together with the lens system on a radially movable probe shaft, and radial profiles of the plasma potential and of its oscillations were measured in a linear helicon discharge.

Measurements of electron density and temperature profiles in plasma produced by Nike KrF laser for laser plasma instability research.

PubMed

Oh, Jaechul; Weaver, J L; Karasik, M; Chan, L Y

2015-08-01

A grid image refractometer (GIR) has been implemented at the Nike krypton fluoride laser facility of the Naval Research Laboratory. This instrument simultaneously measures propagation angles and transmissions of UV probe rays (λ = 263 nm, Δt = 10 ps) refracted through plasma. We report results of the first Nike-GIR measurement on a CH plasma produced by the Nike laser pulse (∼1 ns FWHM) with the intensity of 1.1 × 10(15) W/cm(2). The measured angles and transmissions were processed to construct spatial profiles of electron density (ne) and temperature (Te) in the underdense coronal region of the plasma. Using an inversion algorithm developed for the strongly refracted rays, the deployed GIR system probed electron densities up to 4 × 10(21) cm(-3) with the density scale length of 120 μm along the plasma symmetry axis. The resulting n(e) and T(e) profiles are verified to be self-consistent with the measured quantities of the refracted probe light.

Effects of Atmospheric Pressure Plasmas on Isolated and Cellular DNA—A Review

PubMed Central

Arjunan, Krishna Priya; Sharma, Virender K.; Ptasinska, Sylwia

2015-01-01

Atmospheric Pressure Plasma (APP) is being used widely in a variety of biomedical applications. Extensive research in the field of plasma medicine has shown the induction of DNA damage by APP in a dose-dependent manner in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. Recent evidence suggests that APP-induced DNA damage shows potential benefits in many applications, such as sterilization and cancer therapy. However, in several other applications, such as wound healing and dentistry, DNA damage can be detrimental. This review reports on the extensive investigations devoted to APP interactions with DNA, with an emphasis on the critical role of reactive species in plasma-induced damage to DNA. The review consists of three main sections dedicated to fundamental knowledge of the interactions of reactive oxygen species (ROS)/reactive nitrogen species (RNS) with DNA and its components, as well as the effects of APP on isolated and cellular DNA in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. PMID:25642755

A practical nonlocal model for heat transport in magnetized laser plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nicolaï, Ph. D.; Feugeas, J.-L. A.; Schurtz, G. P.

2006-03-01

A model of nonlocal transport for multidimensional radiation magnetohydrodynamics codes is presented. In laser produced plasmas, it is now believed that the heat transport can be strongly modified by the nonlocal nature of the electron conduction. Other mechanisms, such as self-generated magnetic fields, may also affect the heat transport. The model described in this work, based on simplified Fokker-Planck equations aims at extending the model of G. Schurtz, Ph. Nicolaï, and M. Busquet [Phys. Plasmas 7, 4238 (2000)] to magnetized plasmas. A complete system of nonlocal equations is derived from kinetic equations with self-consistent electric and magnetic fields. These equations are analyzed and simplified in order to be implemented into large laser fusion codes and coupled to other relevant physics. The model is applied to two laser configurations that demonstrate the main features of the model and point out the nonlocal Righi-Leduc effect in a multidimensional case.

A tandem mirror plasma source for hybrid plume plasma studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yang, T. F.; Chang, F. R.; Miller, R. H.; Wenzel, K. W.; Krueger, W. A.

1985-01-01

A tandem mirror device to be considered as a hot plasma source for the hybrid plume rocket concept is discussed. The hot plamsa from this device is injected into an exhaust duct, which will interact with an annular hypersonic layer of neutral gas. The device can be used to study the dynamics of the hybrid plume, and to verify the numerical predictions obtained with computer codes. The basic system design is also geared towards low weight and compactness, and high power density at the exhaust. The basic structure of the device consists of four major subsystems: (1) an electric power supply; (2) a low temperature, high density plasma gun, such as a stream gun, an MPD source or gas cell; (3) a power booster in the form of a tandem mirror machine; and (4) an exhaust nozzle arrangement. The configuration of the tandem mirror section is shown.

Double-ring structure formation of intense ion beams with finite radius in a pre-formed plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Zhang-Hu; Wang, Xiao-Juan; Zhao, Yong-Tao; Wang, You-Nian

2017-12-01

The dynamic structure evolution of intense ion beams with a large edge density gradient is investigated in detail with an analytical model and two-dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations, with special attention paid to the influence of beam radius. At the initial stage of beam-plasma interactions, the ring structure is formed due to the transverse focusing magnetic field induced by the unneutralized beam current in the beam edge region. As the beam-plasma system evolves self-consistently, a second ring structure appears in the case of ion beams with a radius much larger than the plasma skin depth, due to the polarity change in the transverse magnetic field in the central regions compared with the outer, focusing field. Influences of the current-filamentation and two-stream instability on the ring structure can be clearly observed in PIC simulations by constructing two different simulation planes.

Effects of atmospheric pressure plasmas on isolated and cellular DNA-a review.

PubMed

Arjunan, Krishna Priya; Sharma, Virender K; Ptasinska, Sylwia

2015-01-29

Atmospheric Pressure Plasma (APP) is being used widely in a variety of biomedical applications. Extensive research in the field of plasma medicine has shown the induction of DNA damage by APP in a dose-dependent manner in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. Recent evidence suggests that APP-induced DNA damage shows potential benefits in many applications, such as sterilization and cancer therapy. However, in several other applications, such as wound healing and dentistry, DNA damage can be detrimental. This review reports on the extensive investigations devoted to APP interactions with DNA, with an emphasis on the critical role of reactive species in plasma-induced damage to DNA. The review consists of three main sections dedicated to fundamental knowledge of the interactions of reactive oxygen species (ROS)/reactive nitrogen species (RNS) with DNA and its components, as well as the effects of APP on isolated and cellular DNA in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

Deuteron Beam Source Based on Mather Type Plasma Focus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, L. K.; Yap, S. L.; Wong, C. S.; Zakaullah, M.

2013-04-01

A 3 kJ Mather type plasma focus system filled with deuterium gas is operated at pressure lower than 1 mbar. Operating the plasma focus in a low pressure regime gives a consistent ion beam which can make the plasma focus a reliable ion beam source. In our case, this makes a good deuteron beam source, which can be utilized for neutron generation by coupling a suitable target. This paper reports ion beam measurements obtained at the filling pressure of 0.05-0.5 mbar. Deuteron beam energy is measured by time of flight technique using three biased ion collectors. The ion beam energy variation with the filling pressure is investigated. Deuteron beam of up to 170 keV are obtained with the strongest deuteron beam measured at 0.1 mbar, with an average energy of 80 keV. The total number of deuterons per shot is in the order of 1018 cm-2.

Prognostic significance of pretreatment plasma fibrinogen level in patients with digestive system tumors: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Ji, Rui; Ren, Qian; Bai, Suyang; Wang, Yuping; Zhou, Yongning

2018-06-01

High pretreatment levels of plasma fibrinogen have been widely reported to be a potential predictor of prognosis in digestive system tumors; however, the conclusions are not consistent. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to comprehensively assess the prognostic roles of high pretreatment plasma fibrinogen levels in digestive system tumors. We searched for eligible studies in the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science electronic databases for publications from the database inception to 1 September 2017. The endpoints of interest included overall survival, disease-free survival, and recurrence-free survival. We investigated the relationship between fibrinogenemia and overall survival in colorectal cancer (10 studies), gastric cancer (6), pancreatic cancer (6), hepatocellular carcinoma (7), and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (10); the pooled results indicated that fibrinogenemia was significantly related to a worse overall survival (hazard ratio (HR) 1.73; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.52, 1.97; P <0.001; HR 1.71; 95% CI 1.28, 2.28; P <0.001; HR 1.57; 95% CI 1.13, 2.17; P = 0.007; HR 1.89; 95% CI 1.57, 2.27; P <0.001, and HR 1.67; 95% CI 1.35, 2.07; P <0.001). Taken together, an increased pretreatment plasma fibrinogen level was related to worse survival in digestive system tumors, indicating that it could be a useful prognostic marker in these types of tumors.

Impacts of the Callipyge Mutation on Ovine Plasma Metabolites and Muscle Fibre Type

PubMed Central

Li, Juan; Greenwood, Paul L.; Cockett, Noelle E.; Hadfield, Tracy S.; Vuocolo, Tony; Byrne, Keren; White, Jason D.; Tellam, Ross L.; Schirra, Horst Joachim

2014-01-01

The ovine Callipyge mutation causes postnatal muscle hypertrophy localized to the pelvic limbs and torso, as well as body leanness. The mechanism underpinning enhanced muscle mass is unclear, as is the systemic impact of the mutation. Using muscle fibre typing immunohistochemistry, we confirmed muscle specific effects and demonstrated that affected muscles had greater prevalence and hypertrophy of type 2X fast twitch glycolytic fibres and decreased representation of types 1, 2C, 2A and/or 2AX fibres. To investigate potential systemic effects of the mutation, proton NMR spectra of plasma taken from lambs at 8 and 12 weeks of age were measured. Multivariate statistical analysis of plasma metabolite profiles demonstrated effects of development and genotype but not gender. Plasma from Callipyge lambs at 12 weeks of age, but not 8 weeks, was characterized by a metabolic profile consistent with contributions from the affected hypertrophic fast twitch glycolytic muscle fibres. Microarray analysis of the perirenal adipose tissue depot did not reveal a transcriptional effect of the mutation in this tissue. We conclude that there is an indirect systemic effect of the Callipyge mutation in skeletal muscle in the form of changes of blood metabolites, which may contribute to secondary phenotypes such as body leanness. PMID:24937646

Impacts of the Callipyge mutation on ovine plasma metabolites and muscle fibre type.

PubMed

Li, Juan; Greenwood, Paul L; Cockett, Noelle E; Hadfield, Tracy S; Vuocolo, Tony; Byrne, Keren; White, Jason D; Tellam, Ross L; Schirra, Horst Joachim

2014-01-01

The ovine Callipyge mutation causes postnatal muscle hypertrophy localized to the pelvic limbs and torso, as well as body leanness. The mechanism underpinning enhanced muscle mass is unclear, as is the systemic impact of the mutation. Using muscle fibre typing immunohistochemistry, we confirmed muscle specific effects and demonstrated that affected muscles had greater prevalence and hypertrophy of type 2X fast twitch glycolytic fibres and decreased representation of types 1, 2C, 2A and/or 2AX fibres. To investigate potential systemic effects of the mutation, proton NMR spectra of plasma taken from lambs at 8 and 12 weeks of age were measured. Multivariate statistical analysis of plasma metabolite profiles demonstrated effects of development and genotype but not gender. Plasma from Callipyge lambs at 12 weeks of age, but not 8 weeks, was characterized by a metabolic profile consistent with contributions from the affected hypertrophic fast twitch glycolytic muscle fibres. Microarray analysis of the perirenal adipose tissue depot did not reveal a transcriptional effect of the mutation in this tissue. We conclude that there is an indirect systemic effect of the Callipyge mutation in skeletal muscle in the form of changes of blood metabolites, which may contribute to secondary phenotypes such as body leanness.

Real-time plasma control based on the ISTTOK tomography diagnostica)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carvalho, P. J.; Carvalho, B. B.; Neto, A.; Coelho, R.; Fernandes, H.; Sousa, J.; Varandas, C.; Chávez-Alarcón, E.; Herrera-Velázquez, J. J. E.

2008-10-01

The presently available processing power in generic processing units (GPUs) combined with state-of-the-art programmable logic devices benefits the implementation of complex, real-time driven, data processing algorithms for plasma diagnostics. A tomographic reconstruction diagnostic has been developed for the ISTTOK tokamak, based on three linear pinhole cameras each with ten lines of sight. The plasma emissivity in a poloidal cross section is computed locally on a submillisecond time scale, using a Fourier-Bessel algorithm, allowing the use of the output signals for active plasma position control. The data acquisition and reconstruction (DAR) system is based on ATCA technology and consists of one acquisition board with integrated field programmable gate array (FPGA) capabilities and a dual-core Pentium module running real-time application interface (RTAI) Linux. In this paper, the DAR real-time firmware/software implementation is presented, based on (i) front-end digital processing in the FPGA; (ii) a device driver specially developed for the board which enables streaming data acquisition to the host GPU; and (iii) a fast reconstruction algorithm running in Linux RTAI. This system behaves as a module of the central ISTTOK control and data acquisition system (FIRESIGNAL). Preliminary results of the above experimental setup are presented and a performance benchmarking against the magnetic coil diagnostic is shown.

Neutral Beam Development for the Lockheed Martin Compact Fusion Reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ebersohn, Frans; Sullivan, Regina

2017-10-01

The Compact Fusion Reactor project at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works is developing a neutral beam injection system for plasma heating. The neutral beam plasma source consists of a high current lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) hollow cathode which drives an azimuthal cusp discharge similar to gridded ion thrusters. The beam is extracted with a set of focusing grids and is then neutralized in a chamber pumped with Titanium gettering. The design, testing, and analyses of individual components are presented along with the most current full system results. The goal of this project is to advance in-house neutral beam expertise at Lockheed Martin to aid in operation, procurement, and development of neutral beam technology. ©2017 Lockheed Martin Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

A new Schwarzschild optical system for two-dimensional EUV imaging of MRX plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bolgert, P.; Bitter, M.; Efthimion, P.; Hill, K. W.; Ji, H.; Myers, C. E.; Yamada, M.; Yoo, J.; Zweben, S.

2013-10-01

This poster describes the design and construction of a new Schwarzschild optical system for two-dimensional EUV imaging of plasmas. This optical system consists of two concentric spherical mirrors with radii R1 and R2, and is designed to operate with certain angles of incidence θ1 and θ2. The special feature of this system resides in the fact that all the rays passing through the system are tangential to a third concentric circle; it assures that the condition for Bragg reflection is simultaneously fulfilled at each point on the two reflecting surfaces if the spherical mirrors are replaced by spherical multi-layer structures. A prototype of this imaging system will be implemented in the Magnetic Reconnection Experiment (MRX) at PPPL to obtain two-dimensional EUV images of the plasma in the energy range from 18 to 62 eV; the relative intensity of the emitted radiation in this energy range was determined from survey measurements with a photodiode. It is thought that the radiation at these energies is due to Bremsstrahlung and line emission caused by suprathermal electrons. This research is supported by DoE Contract Number DE-AC02-09CH11466 and by the Center for Magnetic Self-Organization (CMSO).

A high sensitivity momentum flux measuring instrument for plasma thruster exhausts and diffusive plasmas.

PubMed

West, Michael D; Charles, Christine; Boswell, Rod W

2009-05-01

A high sensitivity momentum flux measuring instrument based on a compound pendulum has been developed for use with electric propulsion devices and radio frequency driven plasmas. A laser displacement system, which builds upon techniques used by the materials science community for surface stress measurements, is used to measure with high sensitivity the displacement of a target plate placed in a plasma thruster exhaust. The instrument has been installed inside a vacuum chamber and calibrated via two different methods and is able to measure forces in the range of 0.02-0.5 mN with a resolution of 15 microN. Measurements have been made of the force produced from the cold gas flow and with a discharge ignited using argon propellant. The plasma is generated using a Helicon Double Layer Thruster prototype. The instrument target is placed about 1 mean free path for ion-neutral charge exchange collisions downstream of the thruster exit. At this position, the plasma consists of a low density ion beam (10%) and a much larger downstream component (90%). The results are in good agreement with those determined from the plasma parameters measured with diagnostic probes. Measurements at various flow rates show that variations in ion beam velocity and plasma density and the resulting momentum flux can be measured with this instrument. The instrument target is a simple, low cost device, and since the laser displacement system used is located outside the vacuum chamber, the measurement technique is free from radio frequency interference and thermal effects. It could be used to measure the thrust in the exhaust of other electric propulsion devices and the momentum flux of ion beams formed by expanding plasmas or fusion experiments.

Design of a New Superconducting Magnet System for High Strength Minimum-B Fields for ECRIS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xie, D. Z.; Benitez, J. Y.; Hodgkinson, A.

A novel Mixed Axial and Radial field System (MARS) seeks to enhance the B fields inside the plasma chamber within the limits of a given conductor, thereby making it possible to raise the operating fields for Electron Cyclotron Resonance Ion Sources (ECRISs). The MARS concept consists of a hexagonally shaped closed-loop coil and a set of auxiliary solenoids. The application of MARS will be combined with a hexagonal plasma chamber to maximize the use of the radial fields at the chamber inner surfaces. Calculations using Opera's TOSCA-3D solver have shown that MARS can potentially generate up to 50% higher fieldsmore » and use of only about one half of the same superconducting wire, as compared with existing magnet designs in ECRISs. A MARS magnet system built with Nb 3 Sn coils could generate a high strength minimum-B field of maxima of ≥ 10 T on axis and ~6 T radially in an ECRIS plasma chamber. Following successful development, the MARS magnet system will be the best magnet scheme for the next generation of ECRISs. This paper will present the MARS concept, magnet design, prototyping a copper closed-loop coil, and discussions.« less

Design of a New Superconducting Magnet System for High Strength Minimum-B Fields for ECRIS

DOE PAGES

Xie, D. Z.; Benitez, J. Y.; Hodgkinson, A.; ...

2016-06-01

A novel Mixed Axial and Radial field System (MARS) seeks to enhance the B fields inside the plasma chamber within the limits of a given conductor, thereby making it possible to raise the operating fields for Electron Cyclotron Resonance Ion Sources (ECRISs). The MARS concept consists of a hexagonally shaped closed-loop coil and a set of auxiliary solenoids. The application of MARS will be combined with a hexagonal plasma chamber to maximize the use of the radial fields at the chamber inner surfaces. Calculations using Opera's TOSCA-3D solver have shown that MARS can potentially generate up to 50% higher fieldsmore » and use of only about one half of the same superconducting wire, as compared with existing magnet designs in ECRISs. A MARS magnet system built with Nb 3 Sn coils could generate a high strength minimum-B field of maxima of ≥ 10 T on axis and ~6 T radially in an ECRIS plasma chamber. Following successful development, the MARS magnet system will be the best magnet scheme for the next generation of ECRISs. This paper will present the MARS concept, magnet design, prototyping a copper closed-loop coil, and discussions.« less

Progress on the FIReTIP Diagnostic on NSTX-U

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scott, Evan; Barchfeld, Robert; Riemenschneider, Paul; Muscatello, Chris; Sohrabi, Mohammad; Domier, Calvin; Ren, Yang; Kaita, Robert; Luhmann, Neville, Jr.; NSTX-U Team

2016-10-01

The Far-infrared Tangential Interferometer/Polarimeter (FIReTIP) system on NSTX-U at the PPPL aims to provide robust, line-averaged electron density measurements. The system consists of three optically-pumped 119 µm methanol lasers, one of which can be tuned via Stark broadening, allowing for uniquely high intermediate frequencies and time resolutions. One of the major goals of FIReTIP is to incorporate it into the NSTX-U plasma control system (PCS) for real-time plasma density feedback control. The front-end optics mounted to Bay G, which shape and position the beam going into the plasma, and internal retroreflector located near Bay B, which facilitates double-pass measurements, are hard-mounted to the NSTX-U vacuum vessel. Because interferometric density measurements are sensitive to vibrational effects, FIReTIP has been upgraded to a two-color interferometer system with the inclusion of a 633 nm laser interferometer for the direct measurement of vibrations and a field programmable gate array (FPGA) for the subsequent subtraction of vibrational effects from the density measurement in real-time. This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy Grant DE-FG02-99ER54518.

Plasma diagnostics package. Volume 2: Spacelab 2 section, part A

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pickett, Jolene S. (Compiler); Frank, L. A. (Compiler); Kurth, W. S. (Compiler)

1988-01-01

This volume (2), which consists of two parts (A and B), of the Plasma Diagnostics Package (PDP) Final Science Report contains a summary of all of the data reduction and scientific analyses which were performed using PDP data obtained on STS-51F as a part of the Spacelab 2 (SL-2) payload. This work was performed during the period of launch, July 29, l985, through June 30, l988. During this period the primary data reduction effort consisted of processing summary plots of the data received by 12 of the 14 instruments located on the PDP and submitting these data to the National Space Science Data Center (NSSDC). The scientific analyses during the performance period consisted of follow-up studies of shuttle orbiter environment and orbiter/ionosphere interactions and various plasma particle and wave studies which dealt with data taken when the PDP was on the Remote Manipulator System (RMS) arm and when the PDP was in free flight. Of particular interest during the RMS operations and free flight were the orbiter wake studies and joint studies of beam/plasma interactions with the SL-2 Fast Pulse Electron Generator (FPEG) of the Vehicle Charging and Potential Investigation (VCAP). Internal reports, published papers and presentations which involve PDP/SL-2 data are listed in Sections 3 and 4. A PDP/SL-2 scientific results meeting was held at the University of Iowa on June 10, l986. This meeting was attended by most of the PDP and VCAP investigators and provided a forum for discussing and comparing the various results, particularly with regard to the PDP free flight.

Profiling of the compounds absorbed in human plasma and urine after oral administration of a traditional Japanese (kampo) medicine, daikenchuto.

PubMed

Iwabu, Jun; Watanabe, Junko; Hirakura, Kazuhiro; Ozaki, Yoshinori; Hanazaki, Kazuhiro

2010-11-01

Daikenchuto (DKT), a pharmaceutical-grade traditional Japanese (Kampo) medicine, has been widely used for the treatment of various gastrointestinal disorders including postoperative ileus and has been integrated into the modern medical care system in Japan as a prescription drug. DKT is a multiherbal medicine consisting of Japanese pepper (zanthoxylum fruit), processed ginger, and ginseng with maltose as an additive. Despite substantial research on the pharmacological activities of DKT and its ingredients, the lack of studies on absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of DKT has made it difficult to obtain a consistent picture of its mechanism of action. In the present study, we constructed an analysis procedure consisting of seven conditions of liquid chromatography and mass spectrometric analysis, which enabled the identification of 44 ingredients of DKT component herbs. We investigated the plasma and urine profiles of these ingredients 0.5 to 8 h after oral administration of 15.0 g of DKT in four healthy volunteers. The results indicated that 1) hydroxy-α-sanshool and [6]-shogaol, the prominent peaks in plasma derived from Japanese pepper and ginger, respectively, were detected at 0.5 h and thereafter decreased throughout the sampling period; 2) ginsenoside Rb(1), a prominent peak derived from ginseng, increased gradually during the sampling period; 3) glucuronide conjugates of hydroxy-sanshools, shogaols, and gingerols were detected in plasma and urine; and 4) no obvious differences between samples from the two male and the two female individuals were observed. These results provide a strong basis for future studies on pharmacokinetics and pharmacology of DKT.

Sequential cloud-point extraction for toxicological screening analysis of medicaments in human plasma by high pressure liquid chromatography with diode array detector.

PubMed

Madej, Katarzyna; Persona, Karolina; Wandas, Monika; Gomółka, Ewa

2013-10-18

A complex extraction system with the use of cloud-point extraction technique (CPE) was developed for sequential isolation of basic and acidic/neutral medicaments from human plasma/serum, screened by HPLC/DAD method. Eight model drugs (paracetamol, promazine, chlorpromazine, amitriptyline, salicyclic acid, opipramol, alprazolam and carbamazepine) were chosen for the study of optimal CPE conditions. The CPE technique consists in partition of an aqueous sample with addition of a surfactant into two phases: micelle-rich phase with the isolated compounds and water phase containing a surfactant below the critical micellar concentration, mainly under influence of temperature change. The proposed extraction system consists of two chief steps: isolation of basic compounds (from pH 12) and then isolation of acidic/neutral compounds (from pH 6) using surfactant Triton X-114 as the extraction medium. Extraction recovery varied from 25.2 to 107.9% with intra-day and inter-day precision (RSD %) ranged 0.88-1087 and 5.32-17.96, respectively. The limits of detection for the studied medicaments at λ 254nm corresponded to therapeutic or low toxic plasma concentration levels. Usefulness of the proposed CPE-HPLC/DAD method for toxicological drug screening was tested via its application to analysis of two serum samples taken from patients suspected of drug overdosing. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Consistent kinetic simulation of plasma and sputtering in low temperature plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmidt, Frederik; Trieschmann, Jan; Mussenbrock, Thomas

2016-09-01

Plasmas are commonly used in sputtering applications for the deposition of thin films. Although magnetron sources are a prominent choice, capacitively coupled plasmas have certain advantages (e.g., sputtering of non-conducting and/or ferromagnetic materials, aside of excellent control of the ion energy distribution). In order to understand the collective plasma and sputtering dynamics, a kinetic simulation model is helpful. Particle-in-Cell has been proven to be successful in simulating the plasma dynamics, while the Test-Multi-Particle-Method can be used to describe the sputtered neutral species. In this talk a consistent combination of these methods is presented by consistently coupling the simulated ion flux as input to a neutral particle transport model. The combined model is used to simulate and discuss the spatially dependent densities, fluxes and velocity distributions of all particles. This work is supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG) in the frame of Transregional Collaborative Research Center (SFB) TR-87.

Modified jeans instability for dust grains in a plasma.

PubMed

Delzanno, G L; Lapenta, G

2005-05-06

An investigation of the properties of linear stability is conducted for a system consisting of particles having mass m and charge q, interacting through the gravitational and electrostatic force (Jeans instability). However, in light of recent works showing that dust particles in a plasma can have a Lennard-Jones-like shielding potential, a new set of equations has been derived, where the electrostatic interaction among the dust particles is Lennard-Jones-like instead of Coulomb-like. A new condition for the gravitational instability is derived, showing a broader spectrum of unstable modes with faster growth rates.

Thermal barrier coating life prediction model development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Demasi, J. T.; Sheffler, K. D.

1986-01-01

The objective of this program is to establish a methodology to predict Thermal Barrier Coating (TBC) life on gas turbine engine components. The approach involves experimental life measurement coupled with analytical modeling of relevant degradation modes. The coating being studied is a flight qualified two layer system, designated PWA 264, consisting of a nominal ten mil layer of seven percent yttria partially stabilized zirconia plasma deposited over a nominal five mil layer of low pressure plasma deposited NiCoCrAlY. Thermal barrier coating degradation modes being investigated include: thermomechanical fatigue, oxidation, erosion, hot corrosion, and foreign object damage.

Effect of electron beam on the properties of electron-acoustic rogue waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Shewy, E. K.; Elwakil, S. A.; El-Hanbaly, A. M.; Kassem, A. I.

2015-04-01

The properties of nonlinear electron-acoustic rogue waves have been investigated in an unmagnetized collisionless four-component plasma system consisting of a cold electron fluid, Maxwellian hot electrons, an electron beam and stationary ions. It is found that the basic set of fluid equations is reduced to a nonlinear Schrodinger equation. The dependence of rogue wave profiles and the associated electric field on the carrier wave number, normalized density of hot electron and electron beam, relative cold electron temperature and relative beam temperature are discussed. The results of the present investigation may be applicable in auroral zone plasma.

Optimal control of a coupled partial and ordinary differential equations system for the assimilation of polarimetry Stokes vector measurements in tokamak free-boundary equilibrium reconstruction with application to ITER

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Faugeras, Blaise; Blum, Jacques; Heumann, Holger; Boulbe, Cédric

2017-08-01

The modelization of polarimetry Faraday rotation measurements commonly used in tokamak plasma equilibrium reconstruction codes is an approximation to the Stokes model. This approximation is not valid for the foreseen ITER scenarios where high current and electron density plasma regimes are expected. In this work a method enabling the consistent resolution of the inverse equilibrium reconstruction problem in the framework of non-linear free-boundary equilibrium coupled to the Stokes model equation for polarimetry is provided. Using optimal control theory we derive the optimality system for this inverse problem. A sequential quadratic programming (SQP) method is proposed for its numerical resolution. Numerical experiments with noisy synthetic measurements in the ITER tokamak configuration for two test cases, the second of which is an H-mode plasma, show that the method is efficient and that the accuracy of the identification of the unknown profile functions is improved compared to the use of classical Faraday measurements.

A magnetospheric signature of some F layer positive storms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, N. J.; Mayr, H. G.; Grebowsky, J. M.; Harris, I.; Tulunay, Y. K.

1981-01-01

Calculations of electron density distributions in the global thermosphere-ionosphere system perturbed by high-latitude thermospheric heating are presented which indicate a link between the heating and magnetospheric plasma disturbances near the equator. The calculations were made using a self-consistent model of the global sunlit thermosphere-ionosphere system describing the evolution of equatorial plasma disturbances. The heat input is found to cause electron density enhancements that propagate along magnetic field lines from the F2 maximum over mid-latitudes to the equator in the magnetosphere and which correspond to the positive phase of an F layer storm. The positive phase is shown to be generated by the induction of equatorward winds that raise the mid-latitude F layer through momentum transfer from neutral atoms to ionospheric ions, which ions pull electrons with them. Model results are used to identify plasma signatures of equatorward winds and an intensified magnetospheric electric field in Explorer 45 and Arial 4 measurements taken during the positive phase of an F layer storm.

Compact and tunable focusing device for plasma wakefield acceleration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pompili, R.; Anania, M. P.; Chiadroni, E.; Cianchi, A.; Ferrario, M.; Lollo, V.; Notargiacomo, A.; Picardi, L.; Ronsivalle, C.; Rosenzweig, J. B.; Shpakov, V.; Vannozzi, A.

2018-03-01

Plasma wakefield acceleration, either driven by ultra-short laser pulses or electron bunches, represents one of the most promising techniques able to overcome the limits of conventional RF technology and allows the development of compact accelerators. In the particle beam-driven scenario, ultra-short bunches with tiny spot sizes are required to enhance the accelerating gradient and preserve the emittance and energy spread of the accelerated bunch. To achieve such tight transverse beam sizes, a focusing system with short focal length is mandatory. Here we discuss the development of a compact and tunable system consisting of three small-bore permanent-magnet quadrupoles with 520 T/m field gradient. The device has been designed in view of the plasma acceleration experiments planned at the SPARC_LAB test-facility. Being the field gradient fixed, the focusing is adjusted by tuning the relative position of the three magnets with nanometer resolution. Details about its magnetic design, beam-dynamics simulations, and preliminary results are examined in the paper.

Multiparticle collision simulations of two-dimensional one-component plasmas: Anomalous transport and dimensional crossovers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Di Cintio, Pierfrancesco; Livi, Roberto; Lepri, Stefano; Ciraolo, Guido

2017-04-01

By means of hybrid multiparticle collsion-particle-in-cell (MPC-PIC) simulations we study the dynamical scaling of energy and density correlations at equilibrium in moderately coupled two-dimensional (2D) and quasi-one-dimensional (1D) plasmas. We find that the predictions of nonlinear fluctuating hydrodynamics for the structure factors of density and energy fluctuations in 1D systems with three global conservation laws hold true also for 2D systems that are more extended along one of the two spatial dimensions. Moreover, from the analysis of the equilibrium energy correlators and density structure factors of both 1D and 2D neutral plasmas, we find that neglecting the contribution of the fluctuations of the vanishing self-consistent electrostatic fields overestimates the interval of frequencies over which the anomalous transport is observed. Such violations of the expected scaling in the currents correlation are found in different regimes, hindering the observation of the asymptotic scaling predicted by the theory.

Heavy ions in Jupiter's environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, R. A.

1980-01-01

The extended atmosphere of the Jupiter system consists of atoms and ions of heavy elements. This material originates on the satellite Io. Energy is lost from the thermal plasma in collisionally excited optical and ultraviolet emission. The juxtaposition of Earth and spacecraft measurements provide insight concerning the underlying processes of particle transport and energy supply.

21 CFR 866.5785 - Anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) antibody (ASCA) test systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... an in vitro diagnostic device that consists of the reagents used to measure, by immunochemical techniques, antibodies to S. cerevisiae (baker's or brewer's yeast) in human serum or plasma. Detection of S. cerevisiae antibodies may aid in the diagnosis of Crohn's disease. (b) Classification. Class II (special...

Can Steady Magnetospheric Convection Events Inject Plasma into the Ring Current?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lemon, C.; Chen, M. W.; Guild, T. B.

2009-12-01

Steady Magnetospheric Convection (SMC) events are characterized by several-hour periods of enhanced convection that are devoid of substorm signatures. There has long been a debate about whether substorms are necessary to inject plasma into the ring current, or whether enhanced convection is sufficient. If ring current injections occur during SMC intervals, this would suggest that substorms are unnecessary. We use a combination of simulations and data observations to examine this topic. Our simulation model computes the energy-dependent plasma drift in a self-consistent electric and magnetic field, which allows us to accurately model the transport of plasma from the plasma sheet (where the plasma pressure is much larger than the magnetic pressure) into the inner magnetosphere (where plasma pressure is much less than the magnetic pressure). In regions where the two pressures are comparable (i.e. the inner plasma sheet), feedback between the plasma and magnetic field is critical for accurately modeling the physical evolution of the system. Our previous work has suggested that entropy losses in the plasma sheet (such as caused by substorms) may be necessary to inject a ring current. However, it is not yet clear whether other small-scale processes (e.g. bursty bulk flows) can provide sufficient entropy loss in the plasma sheet to allow for the penetration of plasma into the ring current. We combine our simulation results with data observations in order to better understand the physical processes required to inject a ring current.

Frequency-tuning radiofrequency plasma source operated in inductively-coupled mode under a low magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takahashi, Kazunori; Nakano, Yudai; Ando, Akira

2017-07-01

A radiofrequency (rf) inductively-coupled plasma source is operated with a frequency-tuning impedance matching system, where the rf frequency is variable in the range of 20-50 MHz and the maximum power is 100 W. The source consists of a 45 mm-diameter pyrex glass tube wound by an rf antenna and a solenoid providing a magnetic field strength in the range of 0-200 Gauss. A reflected rf power for no plasma case is minimized at the frequency of ˜25 MHz, whereas the frequency giving the minimum reflection with the high density plasma is about 28 MHz, where the density jump is observed when minimizing the reflection. A high density argon plasma above 1× {{10}12} cm-3 is successfully obtained in the source for the rf power of 50-100 W, where it is observed that an external magnetic field of a few tens of Gauss yields the highest plasma density in the present configuration. The frequency-tuning plasma source is applied to a compact and high-speed silicon etcher in an Ar-SF6 plasma; then the etching rate of 8~μ m min-1 is obtained for no bias voltage to the silicon wafer, i.e. for the case that a physical ion etching process is eliminated.

Combining plasma gasification and solid oxide cell technologies in advanced power plants for waste to energy and electric energy storage applications.

PubMed

Perna, Alessandra; Minutillo, Mariagiovanna; Lubrano Lavadera, Antonio; Jannelli, Elio

2018-03-01

The waste to energy (WtE) facilities and the renewable energy storage systems have a strategic role in the promotion of the "eco-innovation", an emerging priority in the European Union. This paper aims to propose advanced plant configurations in which waste to energy plants and electric energy storage systems from intermittent renewable sources are combined for obtaining more efficient and clean energy solutions in accordance with the "eco-innovation" approach. The advanced plant configurations consist of an electric energy storage (EES) section based on a solid oxide electrolyzer (SOEC), a waste gasification section based on the plasma technology and a power generation section based on a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). The plant configurations differ for the utilization of electrolytic hydrogen and oxygen in the plasma gasification section and in the power generation section. In the first plant configuration IAPGFC (Integrated Air Plasma Gasification Fuel Cell), the renewable oxygen enriches the air stream, that is used as plasma gas in the gasification section, and the renewable hydrogen is used to enrich the anodic stream of the SOFC in the power generation section. In the second plant configuration IHPGFC (Integrated Hydrogen Plasma Gasification Fuel Cell) the renewable hydrogen is used as plasma gas in the plasma gasification section, and the renewable oxygen is used to enrich the cathodic stream of the SOFC in the power generation section. The analysis has been carried out by using numerical models for predicting and comparing the systems performances in terms of electric efficiency and capability in realizing the waste to energy and the electric energy storage of renewable sources. Results have highlighted that the electric efficiency is very high for all configurations (35-45%) and, thanks to the combination with the waste to energy technology, the storage efficiencies are very attractive (in the range 72-92%). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Bioassay of body fluids, experiment M005

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dietlein, L. F.; Harris, E. S.

1971-01-01

Preflight and postflight urine and plasma samples from the Gemini 7 and Gemini 9 crewmembers were analyzed. Electrolyte and water retention observed immediately postflight was consistent with the assumption that the Gauer-Henry atrial reflex was responsive to a change from the weightless to the unit-gravity environment. Immediately postflight, plasma 17-hydroxycorticosteroid concentrations were increased and plasma uric acid concentration was decreased. The increased excretion of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids immediately postflight probably was caused by the stress of entry. The postflight increase of plasma protein, and the slightly smaller increase of plasma electrolytes postflight, was consistent with an inflight water and electrolyte loss that resulted in postflight retention of water and electrolytes.

Integration of RAM-SCB into the Space Weather Modeling Framework

DOE PAGES

Welling, Daniel; Toth, Gabor; Jordanova, Vania Koleva; ...

2018-02-07

We present that numerical simulations of the ring current are a challenging endeavor. They require a large set of inputs, including electric and magnetic fields and plasma sheet fluxes. Because the ring current broadly affects the magnetosphere-ionosphere system, the input set is dependent on the ring current region itself. This makes obtaining a set of inputs that are self-consistent with the ring current difficult. To overcome this challenge, researchers have begun coupling ring current models to global models of the magnetosphere-ionosphere system. This paper describes the coupling between the Ring current Atmosphere interaction Model with Self-Consistent Magnetic field (RAM-SCB) tomore » the models within the Space Weather Modeling Framework. Full details on both previously introduced and new coupling mechanisms are defined. Finally, the impact of self-consistently including the ring current on the magnetosphere-ionosphere system is illustrated via a set of example simulations.« less

Integration of RAM-SCB into the Space Weather Modeling Framework

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Welling, Daniel; Toth, Gabor; Jordanova, Vania Koleva

We present that numerical simulations of the ring current are a challenging endeavor. They require a large set of inputs, including electric and magnetic fields and plasma sheet fluxes. Because the ring current broadly affects the magnetosphere-ionosphere system, the input set is dependent on the ring current region itself. This makes obtaining a set of inputs that are self-consistent with the ring current difficult. To overcome this challenge, researchers have begun coupling ring current models to global models of the magnetosphere-ionosphere system. This paper describes the coupling between the Ring current Atmosphere interaction Model with Self-Consistent Magnetic field (RAM-SCB) tomore » the models within the Space Weather Modeling Framework. Full details on both previously introduced and new coupling mechanisms are defined. Finally, the impact of self-consistently including the ring current on the magnetosphere-ionosphere system is illustrated via a set of example simulations.« less

Gasdynamic Mirror (GDM) Fusion Propulsion Engine Experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

The Gasdynamic Mirror, or GDM, is an example of a magnetic mirror-based fusion propulsion system. Its design is primarily consisting of a long slender solenoid surrounding a vacuum chamber that contains plasma. The bulk of the fusion plasma is confined by magnetic field generated by a series of toroidal-shaped magnets in the center section of the device. the purpose of the GDM Fusion Propulsion Experiment is to confirm the feasibility of the concept and to demonstrate many of the operational characteristics of a full-size plasma can be confined within the desired physical configuration and still reman stable. This image shows an engineer from Propulsion Research Technologies Division at Marshall Space Flight Center inspecting solenoid magnets-A, an integrate part of the Gasdynamic Mirror Fusion Propulsion Engine Experiment.

Self-consistent particle-in-cell simulations of fundamental and harmonic radio plasma emission mechanisms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsiklauri, D.; Thurgood, J. O.

2015-12-01

first co-author Jonathan O. Thurgood (QMUL) The simulation of three-wave interaction based plasma emission, an underlying mechanism for type III solar radio bursts, is a challenging task requiring fully-kinetic, multi-dimensional models. This paper aims to resolve a contradiction in past attempts, whereby some authors report that no such processes occur and others draw conflicting conclusions, by using 2D, fully kinetic, particle-in-cell simulations of relaxing electron beams. Here we present the results of particle-in-cell simulations which for different physical parameters permit or prohibit the plasma emission. We show that the possibility of plasma emission is contingent upon the frequency of the initial electrostatic waves generated by the bump-in-tail instability, and that these waves may be prohibited from participating in the necessary three-wave interactions due to the frequency beat requirements. We caution against simulating astrophysical radio bursts using unrealistically dense beams (a common approach which reduces run time), as the resulting non-Langmuir characteristics of the initial wave modes significantly suppresses the emission. Comparison of our results indicates that, contrary to the suggestions of previous authors, a plasma emission mechanism based on two counter-propagating beams is unnecessary in astrophysical context. Finally, we also consider the action of the Weibel instability, which generates an electromagnetic beam mode. As this provides a stronger contribution to electromagnetic energy than the emission, we stress that evidence of plasma emission in simulations must disentangle the two contributions and not simply interpret changes in total electromagnetic energy as the evidence of plasma emission. In summary, we present the first self-consistent demonstration of fundamental and harmonic plasma emission from a single-beam system via fully kinetic numerical simulation. Pre-print can be found at http://astro.qmul.ac.uk/~tsiklauri/jtdt1.pdf

Characterization of laser-induced plasmas associated with energetic laser cleaning of metal particles on fused silica surfaces

DOE PAGES

Harris, Candace D.; Shen, Nan; Rubenchik, Alexander M.; ...

2015-11-04

Here, time-resolved plasma emission spectroscopy was used to characterize the energy coupling and temperature rise associated with single, 10-ns pulsed laser ablation of metallic particles bound to transparent substrates. Plasma associated with Fe(I) emission lines originating from steel microspheres was observed to cool from >24,000 to ~15,000 K over ~220 ns asmore » $$\\tau$$ -0.28, consistent with radiative losses and adiabatic gas expansion of a relatively free plasma. Simultaneous emission lines from Si(II) associated with the plasma etching of the SiO2 substrate were observed yielding higher plasma temperatures, ~35,000 K, relative to the Fe(I) plasma. Lastly, the difference in species temperatures is consistent with plasma confinement at the microsphere-substrate interface as the particle is ejected, and is directly visualized using pump-probe shadowgraphy as a function of pulsed laser energy.« less

Integration issues of a plasma contactor Power Electronics Unit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pinero, Luis R.; York, Kenneth W.; Bowers, Glen E.

1995-01-01

A hollow cathode-based plasma contactor is baselined on International Space Station Alpha (ISSA) for spacecraft charge control. The plasma contactor system consists of a hollow cathode assembly (HCA), a power electronics unit (PEU), and an expellant management unit (EMU). The plasma contactor has recently been required to operate in a cyclic mode to conserve xenon expellant and extend system life. Originally, a DC cathode heater converter was baselined for a continuous operation mode because only a few ignitions of the hollow cathode were expected. However, for cyclic operation, a DC heater supply can potentially result in hollow cathode heater component failure due to the DC electrostatic field. This can prevent the heater from attaining the proper cathode tip temperature for reliable ignition of the hollow cathode. To mitigate this problem, an AC cathode heater supply was therefore designed, fabricated, and installed into a modified PEU. The PEU was tested using resistive loads and then integrated with an engineering model hollow cathode to demonstrate stable steady-state operation. Integration issues such as the effect of line and load impedance on the output of the AC cathode heater supply and the characterization of the temperature profile of the heater under AC excitation were investigated.

Low-temperature graphene synthesis using microwave plasma CVD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamada, Takatoshi; Kim, Jaeho; Ishihara, Masatou; Hasegawa, Masataka

2013-02-01

The graphene chemical vapour deposition (CVD) technique at substrate temperatures around 300 °C by a microwave plasma sustained by surface waves (surface wave plasma chemical vapour deposition, SWP-CVD) is discussed. A low-temperature, large-area and high-deposition-rate CVD process for graphene films was developed. It was found from Raman spectra that the deposited films on copper (Cu) substrates consisted of high-quality graphene flakes. The fabricated graphene transparent conductive electrode showed uniform optical transmittance and sheet resistance, which suggests the possibility of graphene for practical electrical and optoelectronic applications. It is intriguing that graphene was successfully deposited on aluminium (Al) substrates, for which we did not expect the catalytic effect to decompose hydrocarbon and hydrogen molecules. We developed a roll-to-roll SWP-CVD system for continuous graphene film deposition towards industrial mass production. A pair of winder and unwinder systems of Cu film was installed in the plasma CVD apparatus. Uniform Raman spectra were confirmed over the whole width of 297 mm of Cu films. We successfully transferred the deposited graphene onto PET films, and confirmed a transmittance of about 95% and a sheet resistance of less than 7 × 105 Ω/sq.

Requirement for Coenzyme Q in Plasma Membrane Electron Transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, I. L.; Sun, E. E.; Crane, F. L.; Morre, D. J.; Lindgren, A.; Low, H.

1992-12-01

Coenzyme Q is required in the electron transport system of rat hepatocyte and human erythrocyte plasma membranes. Extraction of coenzyme Q from the membrane decreases NADH dehydrogenase and NADH:oxygen oxidoreductase activity. Addition of coenzyme Q to the extracted membrane restores the activity. Partial restoration of activity is also found with α-tocopherylquinone, but not with vitamin K_1. Analogs of coenzyme Q inhibit NADH dehydrogenase and oxidase activity and the inhibition is reversed by added coenzyme Q. Ferricyanide reduction by transmembrane electron transport from HeLa cells is inhibited by coenzyme Q analogs and restored with added coenzyme Q10. Reduction of external ferricyanide and diferric transferrin by HeLa cells is accompanied by proton release from the cells. Inhibition of the reduction by coenzyme Q analogs also inhibits the proton release, and coenzyme Q10 restores the proton release activity. Trans-plasma membrane electron transport stimulates growth of serum-deficient cells, and added coenzyme Q10 increases growth of HeLa (human adenocarcinoma) and BALB/3T3 (mouse fibroblast) cells. The evidence is consistent with a function for coenzyme Q in a trans-plasma membrane electron transport system which influences cell growth.

Studies on Charge Variation and Waves in Dusty Plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kausik, Siddhartha Sankar

Plasma and dust grains are both ubiquitous ingredients of the universe. The interplay between them has opened up a new and fascinating research domain, that of dusty plasmas, which contain macroscopic particles of solid matter besides the usual plasma constituents. The research in dusty plasmas received a major boost in the early eighties with Voyager spacecraft observation on the formation of Saturn rings. Dusty plasmas are defined as partially or fully-ionized gases that contain micron-sized particles of electrically charged solid material, either dielectric or conducting. The physics of dusty plasmas has recently been studied intensively because of its importance for a number of applications in space and laboratory plasmas. This thesis presents the experimental studies on charge variation and waves in dusty plasmas. The experimental observations are carried out in two different experimental devices. Three different sets of experiments are carried out in two different experimental devices. Three different sets of experiments are carried out to study the dust charge variation in a filament discharge argon plasma. The dust grains used in these experiments are grains of silver. In another get of experiment, dust acoustic waves are studied in a de glow discharge argon plasma. Alumina dust grains are sprinkled in this experiment. The diagnostic tools used in these experiments are Langmuir probe and Faraday cup. The instruments used in these experiments are electrometer, He-Ne laser and charge coupled device (CCD) camera. Langmuir probe is used to measure plasma parameters, while Faraday cup and electrometer are used to measure very low current (~pA) carried by a collimated dust beam. He-Ne laser illuminates the dust grains and CCD camera is used to capture the images of dust acoustic waves. Silver dust grains are produced in the dust chamber by gas-evaporation technique. Due to differential pressure maintained between the dust and plasma chambers, the dust grains move upward in the form of a collimated beam. Argon plasma is produced in an experimental setup consisting of a dust chamber, a plasma chamber and a diagnostic chamber (also called deflection chamber) by striking a discharge between incandescent tungsten filaments and the magnetic cage, which is grounded. Plasma thus produced is confined by a full line cusped magnetic field confinement system consisting of a cylindrically shaped cage made up of stainless steel channels filled up with cube shaped having 1.2 kG field strength at its surface.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Niemann, Christoph; Gekelman, W.; Winske, D.

We have performed several thousand high-energy laser shots in the LAPD to investigate the dynamics of an exploding laser-produced plasma in a large ambient magneto-plasma. Debris-ions expanding at super-Alfvenic velocity (up to MA=1.5) expel the ambient magnetic field, creating a large (> 20 cm) diamagnetic cavity. We observed field compressions of up to B/B{sub 0} = 1.5 at the edge of the bubble, consistent with the MHD jump conditions, as well as localized electron heating at the edge of the bubble. Two-dimensional hybrid simulations reproduce these measurements well and show that the majority of the ambient ions are energized bymore » the magnetic piston to super-Alfvenic speeds and swept outside the bubble volume. Nonlinear shear-Alfven waves ({delta}B/B{sub 0} > 25%) are radiated from the cavity with a coupling efficiency of 70% from magnetic energy in the bubble to the wave. While the data is consistent with a weak magneto-sonic shock, the experiments were severely limited by the low ambient plasma densities (10{sup 12} cm{sup -3}). 2D hybrid simulations indicate that future experiments with the new LAPD plasma source and densities in excess of 10{sup 13} cm{sup -3} will drive full-blown collisionless shocks with MA>10 over several c/wpi and shocked Larmor radii. In a separate experiment at the LANL Trident laser facility we have performed a proof-of-principle experiment at higher densities to demonstrate key elements of collisionless shocks in laser-produced magnetized plasmas with important implications to NIF. Simultaneously we have upgraded the UCLA glass-laser system by adding two large amplitude disk amplifiers from the NOVA laser and boost the on-target energy from 30 J to up to 1 kJ, making this one of the world’s largest university-scale laser systems. We now have the infrastructure in place to perform novel and unique high-impact experiments on collision-less shocks at the LAPD.« less

Design and Preliminary Performance Testing of Electronegative Gas Plasma Thruster

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Thomas M.; Schloeder, Natalie R.; Walker, Mitchell L. R.; Polzin, Kurt A.; Dankanich, John W.; Aanesland, Ane

2014-01-01

In classical gridded electrostatic ion thrusters, positively charged ions are generated from a plasma discharge of noble gas propellant and accelerated to provide thrust. To maintain overall charge balance on the propulsion system, a separate electron source is required to neutralize the ion beam as it exits the thruster. However, if high-electronegativity propellant gases (e.g., sulfur hexafluoride) are instead used, a plasma discharge can result consisting of both positively and negatively charged ions. Extracting such electronegative plasma species for thrust generation (e.g., with time-varying, bipolar ion optics) would eliminate the need for a separate neutralizer cathode subsystem. In addition for thrusters utilizing a RF plasma discharge, further simplification of the ion thruster power system may be possible by also using the RF power supply to bias the ion optics. Recently, the PEGASES (Plasma propulsion with Electronegative gases) thruster prototype successfully demonstrated proof-of-concept operations in alternatively accelerating positively and negatively charged ions from a RF discharge of a mixture of argon and sulfur hexafluoride.i In collaboration with NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), the Georgia Institute of Technology High-Power Electric Propulsion Laboratory (HPEPL) is applying the lessons learned from PEGASES design and testing to develop a new thruster prototype. This prototype will incorporate design improvements and undergo gridless operational testing and diagnostics checkout at HPEPL in April 2014. Performance mapping with ion optics will be conducted at NASA MSFC starting in May 2014. The proposed paper discusses the design and preliminary performance testing of this electronegative gas plasma thruster prototype.

Overview of Advanced Space Propulsion Activities in the Space Environmental Effects Team at MSFC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Edwards, David; Carruth, Ralph; Vaughn, Jason; Schneider, Todd; Kamenetzky, Rachel; Gray, Perry

2000-01-01

Exploration of our solar system, and beyond, requires spacecraft velocities beyond our current technological level. Technologies addressing this limitation are numerous. The Space Environmental Effects (SEE) Team at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is focused on three discipline areas of advanced propulsion; Tethers, Beamed Energy, and Plasma. This presentation will give an overview of advanced propulsion related activities in the Space Environmental Effects Team at MSFC. Advancements in the application of tethers for spacecraft propulsion were made while developing the Propulsive Small Expendable Deployer System (ProSEDS). New tether materials were developed to meet the specifications of the ProSEDS mission and new techniques had to be developed to test and characterize these tethers. Plasma contactors were developed, tested and modified to meet new requirements. Follow-on activities in tether propulsion include the Air-SEDS activity. Beamed energy activities initiated with an experimental investigation to quantify the momentum transfer subsequent to high power, 5J, ablative laser interaction with materials. The next step with this experimental investigation is to quantify non-ablative photon momentum transfer. This step was started last year and will be used to characterize the efficiency of solar sail materials before and after exposure to Space Environmental Effects (SEE). Our focus with plasma, for propulsion, concentrates on optimizing energy deposition into a magnetically confined plasma and integration of measurement techniques for determining plasma parameters. Plasma confinement is accomplished with the Marshall Magnetic Mirror (M3) device. Initial energy coupling experiments will consist of injecting a 50 amp electron beam into a target plasma. Measurements of plasma temperature and density will be used to determine the effect of changes in magnetic field structure, beam current, and gas species. Experimental observations will be compared to predictions from computer modeling.

FINAL REPORT "Extreme non-linear optics of plasmas" Pierre Michel (16-LW-022)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Michel, Pierre

2017-11-03

Large laser facilities such as the National Ignition Facility (NIF) are typically limited in performance and physical scale (and thus cost) by optics damage. In this LDRD, we investigated a radically new way to manipulate light at extreme powers and energies, where “traditional” (crystal-based) optical elements are replaced by a medium that is already “broken” and thus does not suffer from optics damage: a plasma. Our method consisted in applying multiple lasers into plasmas to imprint refractive micro-structures with optical properties designed to be similar to those of crystals or dielectric structures used in optics. In particular, we focused ourmore » efforts on two elements used to manipulate the polarization of lasers (i.e. the orientation of the light’s electric field vector): i) a polarizer, which only lets a given polarization direction pass and blocks the others, and ii) a “Pockels cell”, which can “rotate” the polarization direction or convert it from linear to elliptical or circular. These two elements are essential building blocks in almost all laser systems – for example, they can be combined to design optical gates. Here, we introduced the new concepts of a “plasma polarizer” and a “plasma Pockels cell”. Both concepts were demonstrated in proof-of-principle laboratory experiments in this LDRD. We also demonstrated that such laser-plasma systems could be used to provide full control of the refractive index of plasmas as well as their dispersion (variation of the index vs. the light wavelength), which constituted the basis for a final experiment aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of “slow light” in plasmas, i.e. the capability to slow down a light pulse almost to a full stop.« less

Reprocessing system with nuclide separation based on chromatography in hydrochloric acid solution

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Suzuki, Tatsuya; Tachibana, Yu; Koyama, Shi-ichi

2013-07-01

We have proposed the reprocessing system with nuclide separation processes based on the chromatographic technique in the hydrochloric acid solution system. Our proposed system consists of the dissolution process, the reprocessing process, the minor actinide separation process, and nuclide separation processes. In the reprocessing and separation processes, the pyridine resin is used as a main separation media. It was confirmed that the dissolution in the hydrochloric acid solution is easily achieved by the plasma voloxidation and by the addition of oxygen peroxide into the hydrochloric acid solution.

Numerical analysis of ion temperature effects to the plasma wall transition using a one-dimensional two-fluid model. I. Finite Debye to ionization length ratio

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gyergyek, T.; Kovačič, J.

2017-06-01

A one-dimensional, two-fluid, steady state model is used for the analysis of ion temperature effects to the plasma-wall transition. In this paper, the model is solved for a finite ratio ɛ between the Debye and the ionization length, while in Part II [T. Gyergyek and J. Kovačič, Phys Plasmas 24, 063506 (2017)], the solutions for ɛ = 0 are presented. Ion temperature is treated as a given, independent parameter and it is included in the model as a boundary condition. It is shown that when the ion temperature larger than zero is selected, the ion flow velocity and the electric field at the boundary must be consistent with the selected ion temperature. A numerical procedure, how to determine such "consistent boundary conditions," is proposed, and a simple relation between the ion temperature and ion velocity at the boundary of the system is found. The effects of the ion temperature to the pre-sheath length, potential, ion temperature, and ion density drops in the pre-sheath and in the sheath are investigated. It is concluded that larger ion temperature results in a better shielding of the plasma from the wall. An attempt is made to include the ion heat flux qi into the model in its simplest form q i = - K ' /d T i d x , where K ' is a constant heat conduction coefficient. It is shown that inclusion of such a term into the energy transfer equation introduces an additional ion heating mechanism into the system and the ion flow then becomes isothermal instead of adiabatic even in the sheath.

Numerical analysis of ion temperature effects to the plasma wall transition using a one-dimensional two-fluid model. I. Finite Debye to ionization length ratio.

PubMed

Gyergyek, T; Kovačič, J

2017-06-01

A one-dimensional, two-fluid, steady state model is used for the analysis of ion temperature effects to the plasma-wall transition. In this paper, the model is solved for a finite ratio ε between the Debye and the ionization length, while in Part II [T. Gyergyek and J. Kovačič, Phys Plasmas 24, 063506 (2017)], the solutions for [Formula: see text] are presented. Ion temperature is treated as a given, independent parameter and it is included in the model as a boundary condition. It is shown that when the ion temperature larger than zero is selected, the ion flow velocity and the electric field at the boundary must be consistent with the selected ion temperature. A numerical procedure, how to determine such "consistent boundary conditions," is proposed, and a simple relation between the ion temperature and ion velocity at the boundary of the system is found. The effects of the ion temperature to the pre-sheath length, potential, ion temperature, and ion density drops in the pre-sheath and in the sheath are investigated. It is concluded that larger ion temperature results in a better shielding of the plasma from the wall. An attempt is made to include the ion heat flux q i into the model in its simplest form [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a constant heat conduction coefficient. It is shown that inclusion of such a term into the energy transfer equation introduces an additional ion heating mechanism into the system and the ion flow then becomes isothermal instead of adiabatic even in the sheath.

Effects on the immune system associated with living near a pesticide dump site.

PubMed Central

Vine, M F; Stein, L; Weigle, K; Schroeder, J; Degnan, D; Tse, C K; Hanchette, C; Backer, L

2000-01-01

In this paper, we report results of the second phase of a larger study designed to evaluate the effects on the immune system of living near a Superfund site containing organochlorine pesticides, volatile organic compounds, and metals. Phase II was conducted to determine whether living near the site, consisting of six locations in Aberdeen, North Carolina, is associated with higher plasma organochlorine levels, immune suppression, or DNA damage. Each of 302 residents of Aberdeen and neighboring communities provided a blood specimen, underwent a skin test, and answered a questionnaire. Blood specimens were analyzed for organochlorine pesticides, immune markers, and micronuclei. Of 20 organochlorines tested, only DDE was detected in the blood of participants (except for one individual). Age-adjusted mean plasma DDE levels were 4.05 ppb for Aberdeen residents and 2.95 ppb (p = 0.01) for residents of neighboring communities. Residents of 40-59 years of age who lived within a mile of any site, but particularly the Farm Chemicals site, had higher plasma DDE levels than residents who lived farther away. Residents who lived near the Farm Chemicals site before versus after 1985 also had higher plasma DDE levels. Overall, there were few differences in immune markers between residents of Aberdeen and the neighboring communities. However, residents who lived closer to the dump sites had statistically significantly lower mitogen-induced lymphoproliferative activity than residents who lived farther away (p < 0.05). Residential location was not consistently associated with frequency of micronuclei or skin test responses. Although some statistically significant differences in immune markers were noted in association with residential location, the magnitude of effects are of uncertain clinical importance. PMID:11133390

Self-consistent discharge growing model of helicon plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Isayama, Shogo; Hada, Tohru; Shinohara, Shunjiro; Tanikawa, Takao

2015-11-01

Helicon plasma is a high-density and low-temperature plasma generated by the electromagnetic (Helicon) wave excited in the plasma. It is thought to be useful for various applications including electric thrusters. Physics of helicon plasma production involves such fundamental processes as the wave propagation (dispersion relation), collisional and non-collisional wave damping, plasma heating, ionization/recombination of neutral particles, and modification of the dispersion relation by newly ionized plasma. There remain a number of unsolved physical issues such as, how the Helicon and the TG modes influence the plasma density, electron temperature and their spatial profiles. While the Helicon mode is absorbed in the bulk plasma, the TG mode is mostly absorbed near the edge of the plasma. The local power deposition in the helicon plasma is mostly balanced by collisional loss. This local power balance can give rise to the inhomogeneous electron temperature profile that leads to time evolution of density profile and dispersion relation. In our study, we construct a self-consistent model of the discharge evolution that includes the wave excitation, electron heat transfer, and diffusion of charged particles.

Termination of a Magnetized Plasma on a Neutral Gas: The End of the Plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cooper, C. M.; Gekelman, W.

2013-06-01

Experiments are performed at the Enormous Toroidal Plasma Device at UCLA to study the neutral boundary layer (NBL) between a magnetized plasma and a neutral gas along the direction of a confining magnetic field. This is the first experiment to measure plasma termination within a neutral gas without the presence of a wall or obstacle. A magnetized, current-free helium plasma created by a lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) cathode terminates entirely within a neutral helium gas. The plasma is weakly ionized (ne/nn˜1%) and collisional λn≪Lplasma. The NBL occurs where the plasma pressure equilibrates with the neutral gas pressure, consistent with a pressure balance model. It is characterized by a field-aligned ambipolar electric field, developing self-consistently to maintain a current-free termination of the plasma on the neutral gas. Probes are inserted into the plasma to measure the plasma density, flow, temperature, current, and potential. These measurements confirm the presence of the ambipolar field and the pressure equilibration model of the NBL.

21 CFR 866.2160 - Coagulase plasma.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Coagulase plasma. 866.2160 Section 866.2160 Food... DEVICES IMMUNOLOGY AND MICROBIOLOGY DEVICES Microbiology Devices § 866.2160 Coagulase plasma. (a) Identification. Coagulase plasma is a device that consists of freeze-dried animal or human plasma that is...

21 CFR 866.2160 - Coagulase plasma.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Coagulase plasma. 866.2160 Section 866.2160 Food... DEVICES IMMUNOLOGY AND MICROBIOLOGY DEVICES Microbiology Devices § 866.2160 Coagulase plasma. (a) Identification. Coagulase plasma is a device that consists of freeze-dried animal or human plasma that is...

21 CFR 866.2160 - Coagulase plasma.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Coagulase plasma. 866.2160 Section 866.2160 Food... DEVICES IMMUNOLOGY AND MICROBIOLOGY DEVICES Microbiology Devices § 866.2160 Coagulase plasma. (a) Identification. Coagulase plasma is a device that consists of freeze-dried animal or human plasma that is...

21 CFR 866.2160 - Coagulase plasma.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Coagulase plasma. 866.2160 Section 866.2160 Food... DEVICES IMMUNOLOGY AND MICROBIOLOGY DEVICES Microbiology Devices § 866.2160 Coagulase plasma. (a) Identification. Coagulase plasma is a device that consists of freeze-dried animal or human plasma that is...

21 CFR 866.2160 - Coagulase plasma.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Coagulase plasma. 866.2160 Section 866.2160 Food... DEVICES IMMUNOLOGY AND MICROBIOLOGY DEVICES Microbiology Devices § 866.2160 Coagulase plasma. (a) Identification. Coagulase plasma is a device that consists of freeze-dried animal or human plasma that is...

The 2017 Plasma Roadmap: Low temperature plasma science and technology

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics published the first Plasma Roadmap in 2012 consisting of the individual perspectives of 16 leading experts in the various sub-fields of low temperature plasma science and technology. The 2017 Plasma Roadmap is the first update of a planned series of periodic upd...

DNA damage in oral cancer cells induced by nitrogen atmospheric pressure plasma jets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Xu; Klas, Matej; Liu, Yueying; Stack, M. Sharon; Ptasinska, Sylwia

2013-09-01

The nitrogen atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) has been shown to effectively induce DNA double strand breaks in SCC-25 oral cancer cells. The APPJ source constructed in our laboratory consists of two external electrodes wrapping around a quartz tube and nitrogen as a feed gas and operates based on dielectric barrier gas discharge. Generally, it is more challenging to ignite plasma in N2 atmosphere than in noble gases. However, this design provides additional advantages such as lower costs compared to the noble gases for future clinical operation. Different parameters of the APPJ configuration were tested in order to determine radiation dosage. To explore the effects of delayed damage and cell self-repairing, various incubation times of cells after plasma treatment were also performed. Reactive species generated in plasma jet and in liquid environment are essential to be identified and quantified, with the aim of unfolding the mystery of detailed mechanisms for plasma-induced cell apoptosis. Moreover, from the comparison of plasma treatment effect on normal oral cells OKF6T, an insight to the selectivity for cancer treatment by APPJ can be explored. All of these studies are critical to better understand the damage responses of normal and abnormal cellular systems to plasma radiation, which are useful for the development of advanced plasma therapy for cancer treatment at a later stage.

The plasma-wall transition layers in the presence of collisions with a magnetic field parallel to the wall

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moritz, J.; Faudot, E.; Devaux, S.; Heuraux, S.

2018-01-01

The plasma-wall transition is studied by means of a particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation in the configuration of a parallel to the wall magnetic field (B), with collisions between charged particles vs. neutral atoms taken into account. The investigated system consists of a plasma bounded by two absorbing walls separated by 200 electron Debye lengths (λd). The strength of the magnetic field is chosen such as the ratio λ d / r l , with rl being the electron Larmor radius, is smaller or larger than unity. Collisions are modelled with a simple operator that reorients randomly ion or electron velocity, keeping constant the total kinetic energy of both the neutral atom (target) and the incident charged particle. The PIC simulations show that the plasma-wall transition consists in a quasi-neutral region (pre-sheath), from the center of the plasma towards the walls, where the electric potential or electric field profiles are well described by an ambipolar diffusion model, and in a second region at the vicinity of the walls, called the sheath, where the quasi-neutrality breaks down. In this peculiar geometry of B and for a certain range of the mean-free-path, the sheath is found to be composed of two charged layers: the positive one, close to the walls, and the negative one, towards the plasma and before the neutral pre-sheath. Depending on the amplitude of B, the spatial variation of the electric potential can be non-monotonic and presents a maximum within the sheath region. More generally, the sheath extent as well as the potential drop within the sheath and the pre-sheath is studied with respect to B, the mean-free-path, and the ion and electron temperatures.

Synthesis and characterization of a model dual-phase system using the spark plasma sintering technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teimouri, M.; Godfrey, A.

2017-07-01

Samples of a model dual-phase system, consisting of copper and AISI-420 martensitic steel have been synthesized using spark plasma sintering, with the objective of developing a microstructural analogue for dual-phase steels, in which the volume fraction and size of each phase can be controlled independently. Microstructural investigation of the samples, including fractography of samples deformed in tension until failure, show that densification is strongly temperature dependent. Samples sintered at temperatures of 900 °C or above at a pressure of 60 MPa show a density of more than 98%. The best mechanical properties, in terms of ultimate tensile strength and ductility is found in samples sintered at a temperature of 1000 °C, where a density of nearly 99% is achieved.

Preliminary study on detection sediment contamination in soil affected by the Indian Ocean giant tsunami 2004 in Aceh, Indonesia using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Idris, Nasrullah, E-mail: nasrullah.idris@unsyiah.ac.id; Ramli, Muliadi; Hedwig, Rinda

This work is intended to asses the capability of LIBS for the detection of the tsunami sediment contamination in soil. LIBS apparatus used in this work consist of a laser system and an optical multichannel analyzer (OMA) system. The soil sample was collected from in Banda Aceh City, Aceh, Indonesia, the most affected region by the giant Indian Ocean tsunami 2004. The laser beam was focused onto surface of the soil pellet using a focusing lens to produce luminous plasma. The experiment was conducted under air as surrounding gas at 1 atmosphere. The emission spectral lines from the plasma weremore » detected by the OMA system. It was found that metal including heavy metals can surely be detected, thus implying the potent of LIBS technique as a fast screening tools of tsunami sediment contamination.« less

Ion confinement and transport in a toroidal plasma with externally imposed radial electric fields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roth, J. R.; Krawczonek, W. M.; Powers, E. J.; Kim, Y. C.; Hong, H. Y.

1979-01-01

Strong electric fields were imposed along the minor radius of the toroidal plasma by biasing it with electrodes maintained at kilovolt potentials. Coherent, low-frequency disturbances characteristic of various magnetohydrodynamic instabilities were absent in the high-density, well-confined regime. High, direct-current radial electric fields with magnitudes up to 135 volts per centimeter penetrated inward to at least one-half the plasma radius. When the electric field pointed radially toward, the ion transport was inward against a strong local density gradient; and the plasma density and confinement time were significantly enhanced. The radial transport along the electric field appeared to be consistent with fluctuation-induced transport. With negative electrode polarity the particle confinement was consistent with a balance of two processes: a radial infusion of ions, in those sectors of the plasma not containing electrodes, that resulted from the radially inward fields; and ion losses to the electrodes, each of the which acted as a sink and drew ions out of the plasma. A simple model of particle confinement was proposed in which the particle confinement time is proportional to the plasma volume. The scaling predicted by this model was consistent with experimental measurements.

Intermediate frequency band digitized high dynamic range radiometer system for plasma diagnostics and real-time Tokamak control

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bongers, W. A.; Beveren, V. van; Westerhof, E.

2011-06-15

An intermediate frequency (IF) band digitizing radiometer system in the 100-200 GHz frequency range has been developed for Tokamak diagnostics and control, and other fields of research which require a high flexibility in frequency resolution combined with a large bandwidth and the retrieval of the full wave information of the mm-wave signals under investigation. The system is based on directly digitizing the IF band after down conversion. The enabling technology consists of a fast multi-giga sample analog to digital converter that has recently become available. Field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) are implemented to accomplish versatile real-time data analysis. A prototypemore » system has been developed and tested and its performance has been compared with conventional electron cyclotron emission (ECE) spectrometer systems. On the TEXTOR Tokamak a proof of principle shows that ECE, together with high power injected and scattered radiation, becomes amenable to measurement by this device. In particular, its capability to measure the phase of coherent signals in the spectrum offers important advantages in diagnostics and control. One case developed in detail employs the FPGA in real-time fast Fourier transform (FFT) and additional signal processing. The major benefit of such a FFT-based system is the real-time trade-off that can be made between frequency and time resolution. For ECE diagnostics this corresponds to a flexible spatial resolution in the plasma, with potential application in smart sensing of plasma instabilities such as the neoclassical tearing mode (NTM) and sawtooth instabilities. The flexible resolution would allow for the measurement of the full mode content of plasma instabilities contained within the system bandwidth.« less

Neoclassical Simulation of Tokamak Plasmas using Continuum Gyrokinetc Code TEMPEST

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xu, X Q

We present gyrokinetic neoclassical simulations of tokamak plasmas with self-consistent electric field for the first time using a fully nonlinear (full-f) continuum code TEMPEST in a circular geometry. A set of gyrokinetic equations are discretized on a five dimensional computational grid in phase space. The present implementation is a Method of Lines approach where the phase-space derivatives are discretized with finite differences and implicit backwards differencing formulas are used to advance the system in time. The fully nonlinear Boltzmann model is used for electrons. The neoclassical electric field is obtained by solving gyrokinetic Poisson equation with self-consistent poloidal variation. Withmore » our 4D ({psi}, {theta}, {epsilon}, {mu}) version of the TEMPEST code we compute radial particle and heat flux, the Geodesic-Acoustic Mode (GAM), and the development of neoclassical electric field, which we compare with neoclassical theory with a Lorentz collision model. The present work provides a numerical scheme and a new capability for self-consistently studying important aspects of neoclassical transport and rotations in toroidal magnetic fusion devices.« less

Protein expression profiles of human lymph and plasma mapped by 2D-DIGE and 1D SDS–PAGE coupled with nanoLC–ESI–MS/MS bottom-up proteomics

PubMed Central

Clement, Cristina C.; Aphkhazava, David; Nieves, Edward; Callaway, Myrasol; Olszewski, Waldemar; Rotzschke, Olaf; Santambrogio, Laura

2013-01-01

In this study a proteomic approach was used to define the protein content of matched samples of afferent prenodal lymph and plasma derived from healthy volunteers. The analysis was performed using two analytical methodologies coupled with nanoliquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry: one-dimensional gel electrophoresis (1DEF nanoLC Orbitrap–ESI–MS/MS), and two-dimensional fluorescence difference-in-gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE nanoLC–ESI–MS/MS). The 253 significantly identified proteins (p<0.05), obtained from the tandem mass spectrometry data, were further analyzed with pathway analysis (IPA) to define the functional signature of prenodal lymph and matched plasma. The 1DEF coupled with nanoLC–MS–MS revealed that the common proteome between the two biological fluids (144 out of 253 proteins) was dominated by complement activation and blood coagulation components, transporters and protease inhibitors. The enriched proteome of human lymph (72 proteins) consisted of products derived from the extracellular matrix, apoptosis and cellular catabolism. In contrast, the enriched proteome of human plasma (37 proteins) consisted of soluble molecules of the coagulation system and cell–cell signaling factors. The functional networks associated with both common and source-distinctive proteomes highlight the principal biological activity of these immunologically relevant body fluids. PMID:23202415

Trapped nonneutral plasmas, liquids, and crystals (the thermal equilibrium states)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dubin, Daniel H.; O'neil, T. M.

1999-01-01

Plasmas consisting exclusively of particles with a single sign of charge (e.g., pure electron plasmas and pure ion plasmas) can be confined by static electric and magnetic fields (in a Penning trap) and also be in a state of global thermal equilibrium. This important property distinguishes these totally unneutralized plasmas from neutral and quasineutral plasmas. This paper reviews the conditions for, and the structure of, the thermal equilibrium states. Both theory and experiment are discussed, but the emphasis is decidedly on theory. It is a huge advantage to be able to use thermal equilibrium statistical mechanics to describe the plasma state. Such a description is easily obtained and complete, including for example the details of the plasma shape and microscopic order. Pure electron and pure ion plasmas are routinely confined for hours and even days, and thermal equilibrium states are observed. These plasmas can be cooled to the cryogenic temperature range, where liquid and crystal-like states are realized. The authors discuss the structure of the correlated states separately for three plasma sizes: large plasmas, in which the free energy is dominated by the bulk plasma; mesoscale plasmas, in which the free energy is strongly influenced by the surface; and Coulomb clusters, in which the number of particles is so small that the canonical ensemble is not a good approximation for the microcanonical ensemble. All three cases have been studied through numerical simulations, analytic theory, and experiment. In addition to describing the structure of the thermal equilibrium states, the authors develop a thermodynamic theory of the trapped plasma system. Thermodynamic inequalities and Maxwell relations provide useful bounds on and general relationships between partial derivatives of the various thermodynamic variables.

Effect of magnetic field on the phase transition in a dusty plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jaiswal, S.; Hall, T.; LeBlanc, S.; Mukherjee, R.; Thomas, E.

2017-11-01

The formation of a self-consistent crystalline structure is a well-known phenomenon in complex plasmas. In most experiments, the pressure and rf power are the main controlling parameters in determining the phase of the system. We have studied the effect of the externally applied magnetic field on the configuration of plasma crystals, suspended in the sheath of a radio-frequency discharge using the Magnetized Dusty Plasma Experiment device. Experiments are performed at a fixed pressure and rf power where a crystalline structure is formed within a confining ring. The magnetic field is then increased from 0 to 1.28 T. We report on the breakdown of the crystalline structure with the increasing magnetic field. The magnetic field affects the dynamics of the plasma particles and first leads to a rotation of the crystal. At a higher magnetic field, there is a radial variation (shear) in the angular velocity of the moving particles which we believe to lead to the melting of the crystal. This melting is confirmed by evaluating the variation of the pair correlation function as a function of magnetic field.

Nonlinear Electron Acoustic Waves in Dissipative Plasma with Superthermal Electrons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Hanbaly, A. M.; El-Shewy, E. K.; Kassem, A. I.; Darweesh, H. F.

2016-01-01

The nonlinear properties of small amplitude electron-acoustic ( EA) solitary and shock waves in a homogeneous system of unmagnetized collisionless plasma consisted of a cold electron fluid and superthermal hot electrons obeying superthermal distribution, and stationary ions have been investigated. A reductive perturbation method was employed to obtain the Kadomstev-Petviashvili-Burgers (KP-Brugers) equation. Some solutions of physical interest are obtained. These solutions are related to soliton, monotonic and oscillatory shock waves and their behaviour are shown graphically. The formation of these solutions depends crucially on the value of the Burgers term and the plasma parameters as well. By using the tangent hyperbolic (tanh) method, another interesting type of solution which is a combination between shock and soliton waves is obtained. The topology of phase portrait and potential diagram of the KP-Brugers equation is investigated.The advantage of using this method is that one can predict different classes of the travelling wave solutions according to different phase orbits. The obtained results may be helpful in better understanding of waves propagation in various space plasma environments as well as in inertial confinement fusion laboratory plasmas.

Plasma nitriding monitoring reactor: A model reactor for studying plasma nitriding processes using an active screen

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hamann, S., E-mail: hamann@inp-greifswald.de; Röpcke, J.; Börner, K.

2015-12-15

A laboratory scale plasma nitriding monitoring reactor (PLANIMOR) has been designed to study the basics of active screen plasma nitriding (ASPN) processes. PLANIMOR consists of a tube reactor vessel, made of borosilicate glass, enabling optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and infrared absorption spectroscopy. The linear setup of the electrode system of the reactor has the advantages to apply the diagnostic approaches on each part of the plasma process, separately. Furthermore, possible changes of the electrical field and of the heat generation, as they could appear in down-scaled cylindrical ASPN reactors, are avoided. PLANIMOR has been used for the nitriding of steelmore » samples, achieving similar results as in an industrial scale ASPN reactor. A compact spectrometer using an external cavity quantum cascade laser combined with an optical multi-pass cell has been applied for the detection of molecular reaction products. This allowed the determination of the concentrations of four stable molecular species (CH{sub 4}, C{sub 2}H{sub 2}, HCN, and NH{sub 3}). With the help of OES, the rotational temperature of the screen plasma could be determined.« less

Determination of bromhexine in plasma by reversed-phase liquid chromatography. Interference of lipoproteins on extraction.

PubMed

Johansson, M; Lenngren, S

1988-11-18

Extraction of the hydrophobic tertiary amine bromhexine from plasma using cyclohexane-heptafluorobutanol (99.5:0.5, v/v) was studied at different pH values. The extraction yield from buffer solutions was quantitative at pH greater than 4.1, but from plasma the extraction yield decreased with increasing pH. Furthermore, at pH 8.4 the extraction yield varied greatly (56-99%) in different human plasma. The addition of lipoproteins to phosphate buffer, at pH 8.1, decreased the extraction yields considerably. Quantitative extraction from plasma was obtained by using a very long extraction time at pH 8.4 or by decreasing the pH to 5.4. The chromatographic system consisted of a reversed-phase column (Nucleosil C18, 5 microns) with an acidic mobile phase (methanol-phosphate buffer, pH 2) containing an aliphatic tertiary amine. UV detection at 308 or 254 nm was used. The limit of quantitation was 5 ng/ml using 3.00 ml of plasma and detection at 254 nm. The intra-assay precision for bromhexine was better than 3.6% at 5 ng/ml.

Development of soft ionization using direct current pulse glow discharge plasma source in mass spectrometry for volatile organic compounds analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nunome, Yoko; Kodama, Kenji; Ueki, Yasuaki; Yoshiie, Ryo; Naruse, Ichiro; Wagatsuma, Kazuaki

2018-01-01

This study describes an ionization source for mass analysis, consisting of glow discharge plasma driven by a pulsed direct-current voltage for soft plasma ionization, to detect toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) rapidly and easily. The novelty of this work is that a molecular adduct ion, in which the parent molecule attaches with an NO+ radical, [M + NO]+, can be dominantly detected as a base peak with little or no fragmentation of them in an ambient air plasma at a pressure of several kPa. Use of ambient air as the discharge plasma gas is suitable for practical applications. The higher pressure in an ambient air discharge provided a stable glow discharge plasma, contributing to the soft ionization of organic molecules. Typical mass spectra of VOCs toluene, benzene, o-xylene, chlorobenzene and n-hexane were observed as [M + NO]+ adduct ion whose peaks were detected at m/z 122, 108, 136, 142 and 116, respectively. The NO generation was also confirmed by emission bands of NO γ-system. The ionization reactions were suggested, such that NO+ radical formed in an ambient air discharge could attach with the analyte molecule.

Problems of comparing blood glucose molality and molarity determined with an Omni, an EML 105 and an Ebio analyser.

PubMed

Haeckel, Rainer; Hänecke, Petra

2003-07-01

The comparability between glucose concentrations measured in various sample systems is still a matter of debate. Decision limits are usually determined in venous plasma and then converted to either blood or to the aqueous compartment (activity). The conversion factors recommended have not yet been generally accepted. In the present study, glucose concentrations were determined in blood and plasma with an Ebio analyser (molarity) and in the aqueous compartment with both an EML 105 and an Omni (molality). All analytical results were referred to the same aqueous standard solution. The Ebio results agreed with reference method values in control materials. Concentrations determined in the various sample systems from patients (molarity) correlated well with the molality values measured either with the EML or the Omni. However, the mean values of the EML were not consistent with those derived theoretically by considering the different water content. With the Omni, only molality values in whole blood appeared plausible, but not in plasma, although the two sample systems should provide identical molality values. The EML results were almost identical in whole blood and plasma. Theoretically, glucose molality would be the ideal diagnostic quantity. However, no diagnostic advantage of molality determined in whole blood with the Omni vs. molarity values could be detected in a group of 40 non-diabetic and 27 diabetic subjects.

Images of Bottomside Irregularities Observed at Topside Altitudes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burke, William J.; Gentile, Louise C.; Shomo, Shannon R.; Roddy, Patrick A.; Pfaff, Robert F.

2012-01-01

We analyzed plasma and field measurements acquired by the Communication/ Navigation Outage Forecasting System (C/NOFS) satellite during an eight-hour period on 13-14 January 2010 when strong to moderate 250 MHz scintillation activity was observed at nearby Scintillation Network Decision Aid (SCINDA) ground stations. C/NOFS consistently detected relatively small-scale density and electric field irregularities embedded within large-scale (approx 100 km) structures at topside altitudes. Significant spectral power measured at the Fresnel (approx 1 km) scale size suggests that C/NOFS was magnetically conjugate to bottomside irregularities similar to those directly responsible for the observed scintillations. Simultaneous ion drift and plasma density measurements indicate three distinct types of large-scale irregularities: (1) upward moving depletions, (2) downward moving depletions, and (3) upward moving density enhancements. The first type has the characteristics of equatorial plasma bubbles; the second and third do not. The data suggest that both downward moving depletions and upward moving density enhancements and the embedded small-scale irregularities may be regarded as Alfvenic images of bottomside irregularities. This interpretation is consistent with predictions of previously reported theoretical modeling and with satellite observations of upward-directed Poynting flux in the low-latitude ionosphere.

Plasma methods of obtainment of multifunctional composite materials, dispersion-hardened by nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sizonenko, O. N.; Grigoryev, E. G.; Zaichenko, A. D.; Pristash, N. S.; Torpakov, A. S.; Lipyan, Ye V.; Tregub, V. A.; Zholnin, A. G.; Yudin, A. V.; Kovalenko, A. A.

2016-04-01

The new approach in developed plasma methods consists in that dispersionhardening additives (TiC, TiB2 in particular) are not mechanically added to powder mixture as additional component, as in conventional methods, but are instead synthesized during high voltage electric discharges (HVED) in disperse system “hydrocarbon liquid - powder” preservation of ultrafine structure is ensured due to use of spark plasma sintering (SPS) as a consolidation method. HVED in disperse system “hydrocarbon liquid - powder” due to impact of plasma discharge channel, electromagnetic fields, shock waves mechanical impact, hydro flows and volume microcavitation leads to synthesis of nanocarbon, metal powders dispersion and synthesis of micro- (from 10-6 to 10-7 m) and nanosized (from 10-7 to 10-9 m) composite powders of hardening phases. SPS is the passage of pulsed current (superposition of direct and alternating current) through powder with the simultaneous mechanical compressing. The formation of plasma is initiated in gaseous phase that fills gaps between particles. SPS allows targeted control of grain growth rate and thus allows obtainment of multifunctional composite materials dispersion hardened by nanoparticles. Processes of HVED synthesis of micro- and nanosized powders of new compositions from elemental metal powders and their mixtures with the subsequent application of high-speed SPS of obtained powders create conditions for increase of strength (by 10 - 20%), hardness and wear-resistance (by 30 - 60%) of obtained materials.

Feasibility study of ECRH in NSTX-U startup plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lopez, N. A.; Poli, F.; Taylor, G.; Harvey, R.; Petrov, Yu.

2016-10-01

A key mission goal of the National Spherical Torus eXperiment Upgrade (NSTX-U) is the demonstration of fully non-inductive startup and operation. In part to accomplish this, a 1MW, 28 GHz ECRH system is presently being developed for implementation on NSTX-U in 2018. Like most spherical tokamaks, NSTX-U operates in the overdense regime (fpe>fce) , which limits traditional ECRH to the early startup phase. An extensive modelling effort of the propagation and absorption of EC waves in the evolving plasma is thus required to define the most effective window of operation, and to optimize the launcher geometry for maximal heating and for current drive during this window. In fact, the ECRH system will play an important role in preparing a target plasma for subsequent injection of IC waves and NBI. Here we assess the feasibility of O1-mode ECRH in NSTX-U startup plasma at full field of 1T through time-dependent simulations performed with the transport solver TRANSP. Linear ray-tracing calculations conducted by GENRAY are coupled into the TRANSP framework, allowing the plasma equilibrium and the temperature profiles to evolve self-consistently in response to the injected microwave power. Furthermore, we investigate additional possibilities of heating and current drive made available through coupling the injected O-mode power to the electrostatic EBW via the slow X-mode as an intermediary.

Temperature and Nitric Oxide Generation in a Pulsed Arc Discharge Plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Namihira, T.; Sakai, S.; Matsuda, M.; D., Wang; Kiyan, T.; Akiyama, H.; Okamoto, K.; Toda, K.

2007-12-01

Nitric oxide (NO) is increasingly being used in medical treatments of high blood pressure, acute respiratory distress syndrome and other illnesses related to the lungs. Currently a NO inhalation system consists of a gas cylinder of N2 mixed with a high concentration of NO. This arrangement is potentially risky due to the possibility of an accidental leak of NO from the cylinder. The presence of NO in the air leads to the formation of nitric dioxide (NO2), which is toxic to the lungs. Therefore, an on-site generator of NO would be highly desirable for medical doctors to use with patients with lung disease. To develop the NO inhalation system without a gas cylinder, which would include a high concentration of NO, NAMIHIRA et al have recently reported on the production of NO from room air using a pulsed arc discharge. In the present work, the temperature of the pulsed arc discharge plasma used to generate NO was measured to optimize the discharge condition. The results of the temperature measurements showed the temperature of the pulsed arc discharge plasma reached about 10,000 K immediately after discharge initiation and gradually decreased over tens of microseconds. In addition, it was found that NO was formed in a discharge plasma having temperatures higher than 9,000 K and a smaller input energy into the discharge plasma generates NO more efficiently than a larger one.

Investigating the Response and Expansion of Plasma Plumes in a Mesosonic Plasma Using the Situational Awareness Sensor Suite for the ISS (SASSI)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gilchrist, Brian E.; Hoegy, W. R.; Krause, L. Habash; Minow, J. I.; Coffey, V. N.

2014-01-01

To study the complex interactions between the space environment surrounding the International Space Station (ISS) and the ISS space vehicle, we are exploring a specialized suite of plasma sensors, manipulated by the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) to probe the near-ISS mesosonic plasma ionosphere moving past the ISS. It is proposed that SASSI consists of the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center's (MSFC's) Thermal Ion Capped Hemispherical Spectrometer (TICHS), Thermal Electron Capped Hemispherical Spectrometer (TECHS), Charge Analyzer Responsive to Local Oscillations (CARLO), the Collimated PhotoElectron Gun (CPEG), and the University of Michigan Advanced Langmuir Probe (ALP). There are multiple expected applications for SASSI. Here, we will discuss the study of fundamental plasma physics questions associated with how an emitted plasma plume (such as from the ISS Plasma Contactor Unit (PCU)) responds and expands in a mesosonic magnetoplasma as well as emit and collect current. The ISS PCU Xe plasma plume drifts through the ionosphere and across the Earth's magnetic field, resulting in complex dynamics. This is of practical and theoretical interest pertaining to contamination concerns (e.g. energetic ion scattering) and the ability to collect and emit current between the spacecraft and the ambient plasma ionosphere. This impacts, for example, predictions of electrodynamic tether current performance using plasma contactors as well as decisions about placing high-energy electric propulsion thrusters on ISS. We will discuss the required measurements and connection to proposed instruments for this study.

Development of core ion temperature gradients and edge sheared flows in a helicon plasma device investigated by laser induced fluorescence measurements

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Thakur, S. C.; Tynan, G. R.; Center for Energy Research, University of California at San Diego, San Diego, California 92093

2016-08-15

We report experimental observation of ion heating and subsequent development of a prominent ion temperature gradient in the core of a linear magnetized plasma device, and the controlled shear de-correlation experiment. Simultaneously, we also observe the development of strong sheared flows at the edge of the device. Both the ion temperature and the azimuthal velocity profiles are quite flat at low magnetic fields. As the magnetic field is increased, the core ion temperature increases, producing centrally peaked ion temperature profiles and therefore strong radial gradients in the ion temperature. Similarly, we observe the development of large azimuthal flows at themore » edge, with increasing magnetic field, leading to strong radially sheared plasma flows. The ion velocities and temperatures are derived from laser induced fluorescence measurements of Doppler resolved velocity distribution functions of argon ions. These features are consistent with the previous observations of simultaneously existing radially separated multiple plasma instabilities that exhibit complex plasma dynamics in a very simple plasma system. The ion temperature gradients in the core and the radially sheared azimuthal velocities at the edge point to mechanisms that can drive the multiple plasma instabilities, that were reported earlier.« less

Studying the fate of non-volatile organic compounds in a commercial plasma air purifier.

PubMed

Schmid, Stefan; Seiler, Cornelia; Gerecke, Andreas C; Hächler, Herbert; Hilbi, Hubert; Frey, Joachim; Weidmann, Simon; Meier, Lukas; Berchtold, Christian; Zenobi, Renato

2013-07-15

Degradation of non-volatile organic compounds-environmental toxins (methyltriclosane and phenanthrene), bovine serum albumin, as well as bioparticles (Legionella pneumophila, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus anthracis)-in a commercially available plasma air purifier based on a cold plasma was studied in detail, focusing on its efficiency and on the resulting degradation products. This system is capable of handling air flow velocities of up to 3.0m s(-1) (3200Lmin(-1)), much higher than other plasma-based reactors described in the literature, which generally are limited to air flow rates below 10Lmin(-1). Mass balance studies consistently indicated a reduction in concentration of the compounds/particles after passage through the plasma air purifier, 31% for phenanthrene, 17% for methyltriclosane, and 80% for bovine serum albumin. L. pneumophila did not survive passage through the plasma air purifier, and cell counts of aerosolized spores of B. subtilis and B. anthracis were reduced by 26- and 15-fold, depending on whether it was run at 10Hz or 50Hz, respectively. However rather than chemical degradation, deposition on the inner surfaces of the plasma air purifier occured. Our interpretation is that putative "degradation" efficiencies were largely due to electrostatic precipitation rather than to decomposition into smaller molecules. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Initial Results from the Magnetized Dusty Plasma Experiment (MDPX)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, Edward; Konopka, Uwe; Lynch, Brian; Adams, Stephen; Leblanc, Spencer; Artis, Darrick; Dubois, Ami; Merlino, Robert; Rosenberg, Marlene

2014-10-01

The MDPX device is envisioned as a flexible, multi-user, research instrument that can perform a wide range of studies in fundamental and applied plasma physics. The MDPX device consists of two main components. The first is a four-coil, open bore, superconducting magnet system that is designed to produce uniform magnetic fields of up to 4 Tesla and non-uniform magnetic fields with gradients up to up to 2 T/m configurations. Within the warm bore of the magnet is placed an octagonal vacuum chamber that has a 46 cm outer diameter and is 22 cm tall. The primary missions of the MDPX device are to: (1) investigate the structural, thermal, charging, and collective properties of a plasma as the electrons, ions, and finally charged microparticles become magnetized; (2) study the evolution of a dusty plasma containing magnetic particles (paramagnetic, super-paramagnetic, or ferromagnetic particles) in the presence of uniform and non-uniform magnetic fields; and, (3) explore the fundamental properties of strongly magnetized plasmas (``i.e., dust-free'' plasmas). This presentation will summarize the initial characterization of the magnetic field structure, initial plasma parameter measurements, and the development of in-situ and optical diagnostics. This work is supported by funding from the NSF and the DOE.

A Physics Exploratory Experiment on Plasma Liner Formation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thio, Y. C. Francis; Knapp, Charles E.; Kirkpatrick, Ronald C.; Siemon, Richard E.; Turchi, Peter

2002-01-01

Momentum flux for imploding a target plasma in magnetized target fusion (MTF) may be delivered by an array of plasma guns launching plasma jets that would merge to form an imploding plasma shell (liner). In this paper, we examine what would be a worthwhile experiment to do in order to explore the dynamics of merging plasma jets to form a plasma liner as a first step in establishing an experimental database for plasma-jets driven magnetized target fusion (PJETS-MTF). Using past experience in fusion energy research as a model, we envisage a four-phase program to advance the art of PJETS-MTF to fusion breakeven Q is approximately 1). The experiment (PLX (Plasma Liner Physics Exploratory Experiment)) described in this paper serves as Phase I of this four-phase program. The logic underlying the selection of the experimental parameters is presented. The experiment consists of using twelve plasma guns arranged in a circle, launching plasma jets towards the center of a vacuum chamber. The velocity of the plasma jets chosen is 200 km/s, and each jet is to carry a mass of 0.2 mg - 0.4 mg. A candidate plasma accelerator for launching these jets consists of a coaxial plasma gun of the Marshall type.

Chaos in plasma simulation and experiment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Watts, C.; Newman, D.E.; Sprott, J.C.

1993-09-01

We investigate the possibility that chaos and simple determinism are governing the dynamics of reversed field pinch (RFP) plasmas using data from both numerical simulations and experiment. A large repertoire of nonlinear analysis techniques is used to identify low dimensional chaos. These tools include phase portraits and Poincard sections, correlation dimension, the spectrum of Lyapunov exponents and short term predictability. In addition, nonlinear noise reduction techniques are applied to the experimental data in an attempt to extract any underlying deterministic dynamics. Two model systems are used to simulate the plasma dynamics. These are -the DEBS code, which models global RFPmore » dynamics, and the dissipative trapped electron mode (DTEM) model, which models drift wave turbulence. Data from both simulations show strong indications of low,dimensional chaos and simple determinism. Experimental data were obtained from the Madison Symmetric Torus RFP and consist of a wide array of both global and local diagnostic signals. None of the signals shows any indication of low dimensional chaos or other simple determinism. Moreover, most of the analysis tools indicate the experimental system is very high dimensional with properties similar to noise. Nonlinear noise reduction is unsuccessful at extracting an underlying deterministic system.« less

The Nonlinear Coupling of Alfven and Lower Hybrid Waves in Space Plasma

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Khazanov, George V.

2004-01-01

Space plasmas support a wide variety of waves, and wave-particle interactions as well as wave-wave interactions which are of crucial importance to magnetospheric and ionospheric plasma behavior. The excitation of lower hybrid waves (LHWs) in particular is a widely discussed mechanism of interaction between plasma species in space and is one of the unresolved questions of magnetospheric multi-ion plasmas. It is demonstrated that large-amplitude Alfven waves may generate LHWs in the auroral zone and ring current region and in some cases (particularly in the inner magnetosphere) this serves as the Alfven wave saturation mechanism. We present several examples of observational data which illustrate that the proposed mechanism is a plausible candidate to explain certain classes of LHW generation events in the ionosphere and magnetosphere and demonstrate electron and ion energization involving these processes. We discuss the morphology dynamics and level of LHW activity generated by electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves during the May 2-7 1998 storm period on the global scale. The LHWs were calculated based on a newly developed self-consistent model (Khazanov et. al. 2002) that couples the system of two kinetic equations: one equation describes the ring current (RC) ion dynamic and another equation describes the evolution of EMIC waves. It is found that the LHWs are excited by helium ions due to their mass dependent drift in the electric field of EMIC waves. The level of LHW activity is calculated assuming that the induced scattering process is the main saturation mechanism for these waves. The calculated LHWs electric fields are consistent with the observational data.

VARIANCE ANISOTROPY IN KINETIC PLASMAS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Parashar, Tulasi N.; Matthaeus, William H.; Oughton, Sean

Solar wind fluctuations admit well-documented anisotropies of the variance matrix, or polarization, related to the mean magnetic field direction. Typically, one finds a ratio of perpendicular variance to parallel variance of the order of 9:1 for the magnetic field. Here we study the question of whether a kinetic plasma spontaneously generates and sustains parallel variances when initiated with only perpendicular variance. We find that parallel variance grows and saturates at about 5% of the perpendicular variance in a few nonlinear times irrespective of the Reynolds number. For sufficiently large systems (Reynolds numbers) the variance approaches values consistent with the solarmore » wind observations.« less

Research progress on ionic plasmas generated in an intense hydrogen negative ion source

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Takeiri, Y., E-mail: takeiri@nifs.ac.jp; Tsumori, K.; Nagaoka, K.

2015-04-08

Characteristics of ionic plasmas, observed in a high-density hydrogen negative ion source, are investigated with a multi-diagnostics system. The ionic plasma, which consists of hydrogen positive- and negative-ions with a significantly low-density of electrons, is generated in the ion extraction region, from which the negative ions are extracted through the plasma grid. The negative ion density, i.e., the ionic plasma density, as high as the order of 1×10{sup 17}m{sup −3}, is measured with cavity ring-down spectroscopy, while the electron density is lower than 1×10{sup 16}m{sup −3}, which is confirmed with millimeter-wave interferometer. Reduction of the negative ion density is observedmore » at the negative ion extraction, and at that time the electron flow into the ionic plasma region is observed to conserve the charge neutrality. Distribution of the plasma potential is measured in the extraction region in the direction normal to the plasma grid surface with a Langmuir probe, and the results suggest that the sheath is formed at the plasma boundary to the plasma grid to which the bias voltage is applied. The beam extraction should drive the negative ion transport in the ionic plasma across the sheath formed on the extraction surface. Larger reduction of the negative ions at the beam extraction is observed in a region above the extraction aperture on the plasma grid, which is confirmed with 2D image measurement of the Hα emission and cavity ring-down spectroscopy. The electron distribution is also measured near the plasma grid surface. These various properties observed in the ionic plasma are discussed.« less

Immunosenescence Induced by Plasma from Individuals with Obesity Caused Cell Signaling Dysfunction and Inflammation.

PubMed

Parisi, Mariana Migliorini; Grun, Lucas Kich; Lavandoski, Patrícia; Alves, Letícia Biscaino; Bristot, Ivi Juliana; Mattiello, Rita; Mottin, Cláudio Corá; Klamt, Fábio; Jones, Marcus Herbert; Padoin, Alexandre Vontobel; Guma, Fátima Costa Rodrigues; Barbé-Tuana, Florencia María

2017-09-01

To evaluate the consequences of plasma from individuals with obesity on parameters associated with immunosenescence in unrelated healthy peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Freshly isolated PBMC were incubated in media supplemented with 10% of plasma from individuals with obesity or control subjects for the first 4 hours of 24 to 120 hours of culture. Plasma from individuals with obesity modulated the phenotype of healthy PBMC, leading to a higher rate of apoptosis, lower amounts of phospho-γH2AX and -p53, and mitochondrial dysfunction. After 120 hours, there was a higher secretion of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-8. CD8 + T lymphocytes presented decreased expression of CD28, which is associated with the immunosenescent phenotype. CD14 + macrophages showed increased expression of CD80 and CD206, suggesting a modulation in the activation of macrophages. These results demonstrate that chronic systemic inflammation observed in obesity induces dysfunctional features in PBMC that are consistent with premature immunosenescence. © 2017 The Obesity Society.

Rapid and sensitive method for determination of withaferin-A in human plasma by HPLC.

PubMed

Patial, Pankaj; Gota, Vikram

2011-02-01

To develop and validate a rapid and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic method for determination of withaferin-A in human plasma. Withaferin-A, the active molecule of a traditional Indian herb, has demonstrated several biological activities in preclinical models. A validated bioassay is not available for its pharmacokinetic evaluation. The chromatographic system used a reverse-phase C18 column with UV-visible detection at 225 nm. The mobile phase consisted of water and acetonitrile applied in a gradient flow. Withaferin-A was extracted by simple protein-precipitation technique. The calibration curve was linear in the concentration range of 0.05-1.6 µg/ml. The method has the desired sensitivity to detect the plasma concentration range of withaferin-A that is likely to show biological activity based on in vitro data. This is the first HPLC method ever described for the estimation of withaferin-A in human plasma which could be applied for pharmacokinetic studies.

Determination of elastic modulus and residual stress of plasma-sprayed tungsten coating on steel substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

You, J. H.; Höschen, T.; Lindig, S.

2006-01-01

Plasma-sprayed tungsten, which is a candidate material for the first wall armour, shows a porous, heterogeneous microstructure. Due to its characteristic morphology, the properties are significantly different from those of its dense bulk material. Measurements of the elastic modulus of this coating have not been reported in the literature. In this work Young's modulus of highly porous plasma-sprayed tungsten coatings deposited on steel (F82H) substrates was measured. For the fabrication of the coating system the vacuum plasma-spray process was applied. Measurements were performed by means of three-point and four-point bending tests. The obtained modulus values ranged from 53 to 57 GPa. These values could be confirmed by the test result of a detached coating strip, which was 54 GPa. The applied methods produced consistent results regardless of testing configurations and specimen sizes. The errors were less than 1%. Residual stress of the coating was also estimated.

Expansion of Non-Quasi-Neutral Limited Plasmas Driven by Two-Temperature Electron Clouds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murakami, Masakatsu; Honrubia, Javier

2017-10-01

Fast heating of an isolated solid mass, under irradiation of ultra-intense ultra-short laser pulse, to averaged temperatures of order of keV is theoretically studied. Achievable maximum ion temperatures are determined as a consequence of the interplay of the electron-to-ion energy deposition and nonrelativistic plasma expansion, where fast ion emission plays an important role in the energy balance. To describe the plasma expansion, we develop a self-similar solution, in which the plasma is composed of three fluids, i.e., ions and two-temperature electrons. Under the condition of isothermal electron expansion in cylindrical geometry, such a fluid system, self-consistently incorporated with the Poisson equation, is fully solved. The charge separation and resultant accelerated ion population due to the induced electrostatic field are quantitatively presented. The analytical model is compared with two-dimensional hydrodynamic simulations to provide practical working windows for the target and laser parameters for the fast heating.

Automated Plasma Spray (APS) process feasibility study: Plasma spray process development and evaluation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fetheroff, C. W.; Derkacs, T.; Matay, I. M.

1979-01-01

An automated plasma spray (APS) process was developed to apply two layer (NiCrAlY and ZrO2-12Y2O3) thermal-barrier coatings to aircraft gas turbine engine blade airfoils. The APS process hardware consists of four subsystems: a mechanical blade positioner incorporating two interlaced six-degree-of-freedom assemblies; a noncoherent optical metrology subsystem; a microprocessor-based adaptive system controller; and commercial plasma spray equipment. Over fifty JT9D first stage turbine blades specimens were coated with the APS process in preliminary checkout and evaluation studies. The best of the preliminary specimens achieved an overall coating thickness uniformity of + or - 53 micrometers, much better than is achievable manually. Factors limiting this performance were identified and process modifications were initiated accordingly. Comparative evaluations of coating thickness uniformity for manually sprayed and APS coated specimens were initiated. One of the preliminary evaluation specimens was subjected to a torch test and metallographic evaluation.

Plasma flow reactor for steady state monitoring of physical and chemical processes at high temperatures.

PubMed

Koroglu, Batikan; Mehl, Marco; Armstrong, Michael R; Crowhurst, Jonathan C; Weisz, David G; Zaug, Joseph M; Dai, Zurong; Radousky, Harry B; Chernov, Alex; Ramon, Erick; Stavrou, Elissaios; Knight, Kim; Fabris, Andrea L; Cappelli, Mark A; Rose, Timothy P

2017-09-01

We present the development of a steady state plasma flow reactor to investigate gas phase physical and chemical processes that occur at high temperature (1000 < T < 5000 K) and atmospheric pressure. The reactor consists of a glass tube that is attached to an inductively coupled argon plasma generator via an adaptor (ring flow injector). We have modeled the system using computational fluid dynamics simulations that are bounded by measured temperatures. In situ line-of-sight optical emission and absorption spectroscopy have been used to determine the structures and concentrations of molecules formed during rapid cooling of reactants after they pass through the plasma. Emission spectroscopy also enables us to determine the temperatures at which these dynamic processes occur. A sample collection probe inserted from the open end of the reactor is used to collect condensed materials and analyze them ex situ using electron microscopy. The preliminary results of two separate investigations involving the condensation of metal oxides and chemical kinetics of high-temperature gas reactions are discussed.

ECCD-induced tearing mode stabilization in coupled IPS/NIMROD/GENRAY HPC simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jenkins, Thomas; Kruger, S. E.; Held, E. D.; Harvey, R. W.; Elwasif, W. R.

2012-03-01

We summarize ongoing developments toward an integrated, predictive model for determining optimal ECCD-based NTM stabilization strategies in ITER. We demonstrate the capability of the SWIM Project's Integrated Plasma Simulator (IPS) framework to choreograph multiple executions of, and data exchanges between, physics codes modeling various spatiotemporal scales of this coupled RF/MHD problem on several thousand HPC processors. As NIMROD evolves fluid equations to model bulk plasma behavior, self-consistent propagation/deposition of RF power in the ensuing plasma profiles is calculated by GENRAY. Data from both codes is then processed by computational geometry packages to construct the RF-induced quasilinear diffusion tensor; moments of this tensor (entering as additional terms in NIMROD's fluid equations due to the disparity in RF/MHD spatiotemporal scales) influence the dynamics of current, momentum, and energy evolution as well as the MHD closures. Initial results are shown to correctly capture the physics of magnetic island stabilization; we also discuss the development of a numerical plasma control system for active feedback stabilization of tearing modes.

Recent sheath physics studies on DIII-D

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watkins, J. G.; Labombard, B.; Stangeby, P. C.; Lasnier, C. J.; McLean, A. G.; Nygren, R. E.; Boedo, J. A.; Leonard, A. W.; Rudakov, D. L.

2015-08-01

A study to examine some current issues in the physics of the plasma sheath has been recently carried out in DIII-D low power Ohmic plasmas using both flush and domed Langmuir probes, divertor Thomson scattering (DTS), an infrared camera (IRTV), and a new calorimeter triple probe assembly mounted on the Divertor Materials Evaluation System (DIMES). The sheath power transmission factor was found to be consistent with the theoretically predicted value of 7 (±2) for low power plasmas. Using this factor, the three heat flux profiles derived from the LP, DTS, and calorimeter diagnostic measurements agree. Comparison of flush and domed Langmuir probes and divertor Thomson scattering indicates that proper interpretation of flush probe data to get target plate density and temperature is feasible and could potentially yield accurate measurements of target plate conditions where the probes are located.

Detection of a strongly negative surface potential at Saturn's moon Hyperion.

PubMed

Nordheim, T A; Jones, G H; Roussos, E; Leisner, J S; Coates, A J; Kurth, W S; Khurana, K K; Krupp, N; Dougherty, M K; Waite, J H

2014-10-28

On 26 September 2005, Cassini conducted its only close targeted flyby of Saturn's small, irregularly shaped moon Hyperion. Approximately 6 min before the closest approach, the electron spectrometer (ELS), part of the Cassini Plasma Spectrometer (CAPS) detected a field-aligned electron population originating from the direction of the moon's surface. Plasma wave activity detected by the Radio and Plasma Wave instrument suggests electron beam activity. A dropout in energetic electrons was observed by both CAPS-ELS and the Magnetospheric Imaging Instrument Low-Energy Magnetospheric Measurement System, indicating that the moon and the spacecraft were magnetically connected when the field-aligned electron population was observed. We show that this constitutes a remote detection of a strongly negative (∼ -200 V) surface potential on Hyperion, consistent with the predicted surface potential in regions near the solar terminator.

Highly effective fungal inactivation in He+O2 atmospheric-pressure nonequilibrium plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiong, Z.; Lu, X. P.; Feng, A.; Pan, Y.; Ostrikov, K.

2010-12-01

Highly effective (more than 99.9%) inactivation of a pathogenic fungus Candida albicans commonly found in oral, respiratory, digestive, and reproduction systems of a human body using atmospheric-pressure plasma jets sustained in He+O2 gas mixtures is reported. The inactivation is demonstrated in two fungal culture configurations with open (Petri dish without a cover) and restricted access to the atmosphere (Petri dish with a cover) under specific experimental conditions. It is shown that the fungal inactivation is remarkably more effective in the second configuration. This observation is supported by the scanning and transmission electron microscopy of the fungi before and after the plasma treatment. The inactivation mechanism explains the experimental observations under different experimental conditions and is consistent with the reports by other authors. The results are promising for the development of advanced health care applications.

Plasma transport in the Io torus - The importance of microscopic diffusion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mei, YI; Thorne, Richard M.

1991-01-01

This paper considers the question of whether the distribution of mass in the Io plasma torus is consistent with the concept of interchange eddy transport. Specifically, the flux tube content exhibits a gradual decrease with increasing radial distance from the source near Io without any evidence for substantial density irregularity associated with the plasma source or loss. Using a simple one-dimensional numerical model to simulate macroscopic interchange eddy transport, it is demonstrated that this smooth equilibrium distribution of mass can occur but only with the inclusion of a minimal level of small scale microscopic mixing at a rate approaching Bohm diffusion. Otherwise, the system exhibits a chaotic appearance which never approaches an equilibrium distribution. Various physical mechanisms for the microscopic diffusion process which is required to provide a sufficiently rapid mixing of material between the macroscopic eddies are discussed.

A light-powered bio-capacitor with nanochannel modulation.

PubMed

Rao, Siyuan; Lu, Shanfu; Guo, Zhibin; Li, Yuan; Chen, Deliang; Xiang, Yan

2014-09-03

An artificial bio-capacitor system is established, consisting of the proton-pump protein proteorhodopsin and a modified alumina nanochannel, inspired by the capacitor-like behavior of plasma membranes realized through the cooperation of ion-pump and ion-channel proteins. Capacitor-like features of this simplified system are realized and identified, and the photocurrent duration time can be modulated by nanochannel modification to obtain favorable square-wave currents. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Electromagnetic Wave Transmittance Control using Anisotropic Plasma Lattice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matlis, Eric; Corke, Thomas; Hoffman, Anthony

2017-11-01

Experiments of transmission through a lattice array of plasma columns have shown an absorption band close to the plasma frequency at 14 GHz. The beam was oriented at a 35° incident angle to the planar plasma cell. These experiments were designed to determine if the observed absorption was the result of the isotropic plasma medium or that of an anisotropic metamaterial. Transmission of the microwave energy was not consistent with an isotropic material in which absorption would monotonically increase below the plasma frequency. The experimental results are supported by an anisotropic model which was developed for the plasma permittivity using an effective medium approximation. The plasma columns were modeled as uniform rods with permittivity described by a Drude model while the components of the permittivity tensor was calculated using the Maxwell-Garnett effective medium theory. Electron densities of n = 4 x1012 cm-3 were assumed which is consistent with prior experimental measurements. This model confirms the existence of non-zero imaginary wave vector k in a narrow region centered about 14 GHz.

Transport in a field-aligned magnetized plasma and neutral gas boundary: the end of the plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cooper, Christopher; Gekelman, Walter

2012-10-01

A series of experiments at the Enormous Toroidal Plasma Device (ETPD) at UCLA study the Neutral Boundary Layer (NBL) between a magnetized plasma and a neutral gas in the direction of the confining field. A lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) cathode and semi-transparent anode create a current-free, weakly ionized (ne/nn<5%), helium plasma (B˜250 G, Rplasma=10cm, ne<10^12cm^3, Te<3eV, and Ti˜Tn) that terminates on helium gas without touching any walls. Probes inserted into the plasma measure the basic plasma parameters in the NBL. The NBL begins where the plasma and neutral gas pressures equilibrate and the electrons and ions come to rest through collisions with the neutral gas. A field-aligned electric field (δφ/kTe˜1) is established self-consistently to maintain a current-free termination and dominates transport in the NBL, similar to a sheath but with a length L˜10λei˜10^2λen˜10^5λD. A two-fluid weakly-ionized transport model describes the system. A generalized Ohm's Law correctly predicts the electric field observed. The pressure balance criteria and magnitude of the termination electric field are confirmed over a scaling of parameters. The model can also be used to describe the atmospheric termination of aurora or fully detached gaseous divertors.

Determination of green tea catechins in human plasma using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Masukawa, Yoshinori; Matsui, Yuji; Shimizu, Namii; Kondou, Naoki; Endou, Hidenori; Kuzukawa, Michiya; Hase, Tadashi

2006-04-13

A method for the sensitive and specific determination of eight green tea catechins, consisting of catechin (C), epicatechin (EC), gallocatechin (GC), epigallocatechin (EGC), catechin-3-gallate (CG), epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG), gallocatechin-3-gallate (GCG) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), in human plasma was established. For optimization of conditions for LC-ESIMS, the separation of the eight catechins was achieved chromatographically using Inertsil ODS-2 column combined with a gradient elution system of 0.1M aqueous acetic acid and 0.1M acetic acid in acetonitrile. Detection using a mass spectrometer was performed with selected ion monitoring at m/z=289 for E and EC, 305 for GC and EGC, 441 for CG and ECG, and 457 for GCG and EGCG under negative ESI. A preparative procedure, consisting of the addition of perchloric acid and acetonitrile to the plasma for deproteinizing and the subsequent addition of potassium carbonate solution to remove excess acid, was developed. In six different plasma with the eight catechins spiked at two different concentrations, the average recoveries were in the range between 72.7 and 84.1%, which resulted from the matrix effect and preparative loss, with coefficients of variance being 8.2-19.8% among individuals. The levels of the catechins in prepared plasma solutions that were kept at 5 degrees C within 24h were stable, which allows us to simply analyze many prepared plasma solutions using an autosampler overnight. When using this method to analyze the eight catechins in human plasma after oral ingestion of a commercial green tea beverage, we detected all the catechins absorbed into human blood for the first time. This also suggested that extremely small amounts of the eight catechins orally ingested may be absorbed based on each absorptive property for the catechins. The method should enable pharmacokinetic studies of green tea catechins in humans.

The interaction between fishbone modes and shear Alfvén waves in tokamak plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Hongda; Liu, Yueqiang; Dong, J. Q.; Hao, G. Z.; Wu, Tingting; He, Zhixiong; Zhao, K.

2016-05-01

The resonant interaction between the energetic particle triggered fishbone mode and the shear Alfvén waves is computationally investigated and firmly demonstrated based on a tokamak plasma equilibrium, using the self-consistent MHD-kinetic hybrid code MARS-K (Liu et al 2008 Phys. Plasmas 15 112503). This type of continuum resonance, occurring critically due to the mode’s toroidal rotation in the plasma frame, significantly modifies the eigenmode structure of the fishbone instability, by introducing two large peaks of the perturbed parallel current density near but offside the q  =  1 rational surface (q is the safety factor). The self-consistently computed radial plasma displacement substantially differs from that being assumed in the conventional fishbone theory.

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP), a novel physicochemical source, induces neural differentiation through cross-talk between the specific RONS cascade and Trk/Ras/ERK signaling pathway.

PubMed

Jang, Ja-Young; Hong, Young June; Lim, Junsup; Choi, Jin Sung; Choi, Eun Ha; Kang, Seongman; Rhim, Hyangshuk

2018-02-01

Plasma, formed by ionization of gas molecules or atoms, is the most abundant form of matter and consists of highly reactive physicochemical species. In the physics and chemistry fields, plasma has been extensively studied; however, the exact action mechanisms of plasma on biological systems, including cells and humans, are not well known. Recent evidence suggests that cold atmospheric plasma (CAP), which refers to plasma used in the biomedical field, may regulate diverse cellular processes, including neural differentiation. However, the mechanism by which these physicochemical signals, elicited by reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), are transmitted to biological system remains elusive. In this study, we elucidated the physicochemical and biological (PCB) connection between the CAP cascade and Trk/Ras/ERK signaling pathway, which resulted in neural differentiation. Excited atomic oxygen in the plasma phase led to the formation of RONS in the PCB network, which then interacted with reactive atoms in the extracellular liquid phase to form nitric oxide (NO). Production of large amounts of superoxide radical (O 2 - ) in the mitochondria of cells exposed to CAP demonstrated that extracellular NO induced the reversible inhibition of mitochondrial complex IV. We also demonstrated that cytosolic hydrogen peroxide, formed by O 2 - dismutation, act as an intracellular messenger to specifically activate the Trk/Ras/ERK signaling pathway. This study is the first to elucidate the mechanism linking physicochemical signals from the CAP cascade to the intracellular neural differentiation signaling pathway, providing physical, chemical and biological insights into the development of therapeutic techniques to treat neurological diseases. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Investigation on the Characteristics of Pellet Ablation in a Toroidal Plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sato, K. N.; Sakakita, H.; Fujita, H.

2003-06-01

Characteristics of a cloud ablated from an ice pellet has been investigated in detail in the JIPP T-IIU tokamak plasma by utilizing a new scheme of pellet injection system, "the injection-angle controllable system". A long "helical tail" of ablation light has been observed using CCD cameras and a high speed framing photograph in the case of on-axis and off-axis injection with the injection angle smaller than a certain value. The direction of the helical tail is found to be independent to that of the total magnetic field lines of the torus. From the experiments with the combination of two toroildal filed directions and two plasma current directions, it is considered that the tail seems to rotate, in most cases, to the electron diamagnetic direction poloidally, and to the opposite to the plasma current direction toroidally. Consideration on various cross sections including charge exchange, ionization and elastic collisions leads us to the conclusion that the tail-shaped phenomena may come from the situation of charge exchange equilibrium of hydrogen ions and neutrals at extremely high density regime in the cloud. The relation of ablation behavior with plasma potential and rotation has also been studied. Potential measurements of pellet-injected plasmas using heavy ion beam probe (HIBP) method were carried out for the first time. In the case of an injection angle to be anti-parallel to the electron diamagnetic direction in the poloidal plane, the result shows that the direction of potential change is negative, and consequently the potential after the injection should be negative because it has been measured to be negative in usual ohmic plasmas without pellet injection. Thus, the direction of the "tail" structure seems to be consistent to that of the plasma potential measured, if it is considered that tail structure may be caused by the effect of the plasma potential and the rotation.

Genome-Wide Meta-Analyses of Plasma Renin Activity and Concentration Reveal Association with the Kininogen 1 and Prekallikrein Genes

PubMed Central

Lieb, Wolfgang; Chen, Ming-Huei; Teumer, Alexander; de Boer, Rudolf A.; Lin, Honghuang; Fox, Ervin R.; Musani, Solomon K.; Wilson, James G.; Wang, Thomas J.; Völzke, Henry; Petersen, Ann-Kristin; Meisinger, Christine; Nauck, Matthias; Schlesinger, Sabrina; Li, Yong; Menard, Jöel; Hercberg, Serge; Wichmann, H.-Erich; Völker, Uwe; Rawal, Rajesh; Bidlingmaier, Martin; Hannemann, Anke; Dörr, Marcus; Rettig, Rainer; van Gilst, Wiek H.; van Veldhuisen, Dirk J.; Bakker, Stephan J.L.; Navis, Gerjan; Wallaschofski, Henri; Meneton, Pierre; van der Harst, Pim; Reincke, Martin; Vasan, Ramachandran S.; Consortium, CKDGen

2015-01-01

Background The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system (RAAS) is critical for regulation of blood pressure and fluid balance and influences cardiovascular remodeling. Dysregulation of the RAAS contributes to cardiovascular and renal morbidity. The genetic architecture of circulating RAAS components is incompletely understood. Methods and Results We meta-analyzed genome-wide association data for plasma renin activity (n=5,275), plasma renin concentrations (n=8,014) and circulating aldosterone (n=13,289) from up to four population-based cohorts of European and European-American ancestry, and assessed replication of the top results in an independent sample (n=6,487). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in two independent loci displayed associations with plasma renin activity atgenome-wide significance (p<5×10-8). A third locus was close to this threshold (rs4253311 in kallikrein B [KLKB1], p=5.5×10-8). Two of these loci replicated in an independent sample for both plasma renin and aldosterone concentrations (SNP rs5030062 in kininogen 1 [KNG1]: p=0.001 for plasma renin, p=0.024 for plasma aldosterone concentration; rs4253311 with p<0.001 for both plasma renin and aldosterone concentration). SNPs in the NEBL gene reached genome-wide significance for plasma renin concentration in the discovery sample (top SNP rs3915911, p= 8.81×10-9), but did not replicate (p=0.81). No locus reached genome-wide significance for aldosterone. SNPs rs5030062 and rs4253311 were not related to blood pressure or renal traits; in a companion study, variants in the kallikrein B locus were associated with B-type natriuretic peptide concentrations in African-Americans. Conclusions We identified two genetic loci (kininogen 1 and kallikrein B) influencing key components of the RAAS, consistent with the close interrelation between the kallikrein-kinin system and the RAAS. PMID:25477429

The fast reciprocating magnetic probe system on the J-TEXT tokamak

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Fuming; Chen, Zhipeng, E-mail: zpchen@hust.edu.cn; Zhuang, Ge

The fast reciprocating magnetic probe (FRMP) system is newly developed on the Joint Texas Experimental Tokamak (J-TEXT) to measure the local magnetic fluctuations at the plasma edge. The magnetic probe array in the FRMP consists of four 2-dimensional magnetic probes arranged at different radial locations to detect local poloidal and radial magnetic fields. These probes are protected by a graphite and boron nitride casing to improve the frequency response of each probe; they are mounted on the head of a movable rod, which is oriented along radial direction at the top of the torus. In the experiments, multiple core diagnosticsmore » show that the insertion of the FRMP has little impact on the equilibrium of the plasma. Local magnetic fluctuations inside the last closed flux surface are successfully measured by the FRMP.« less

Radial and Azimuthal Velocity Profiles in Gas-Puff Z-Pinches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rocco, Sophia; Engelbrecht, Joseph; Banasek, Jacob; de Grouchy, Philip; Qi, Niansheng; Hammer, David

2016-10-01

The dynamics of neon, argon, and krypton (either singly or in combination) gas puff z-pinch plasmas are studied on Cornell's 1MA, 100-200ns rise-time COBRA pulsed power generator. The triple-nozzle gas puff valve, consisting of two annular gas puffs and a central jet, allows radial tailoring of the gas puff mass-density profile and the use of 1, 2 or 3 different gases at different pressures. Interferometry supplies information on sheath thickness and electron density, variously filtered PCDs and silicon diodes measure hard and soft x-ray production, and multi frame visible and extreme UV imaging systems allow tracking of the morphology of the plasma. A 527nm, 10J Thomson scattering diagnostic system is used to determine radial and azimuthal velocities. Implosion velocities of 170km/s (Kr) and 300km/s (Ne/Ar) are observed. We are investigating the correlations between instability growth, plasma density profile, velocity partitioning as a function of radius, and radiation production. Research supported by the NNSA Stewardship Sciences Academic Programs under DOE Cooperative Agreement No. DE-NA0001836.

Planned Experiments on the Princeton Advanced Test Stand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stepanov, A.; Gilson, E. P.; Grisham, L.; Kaganovich, I.; Davidson, R. C.

2010-11-01

The Princeton Advanced Test Stand (PATS) device is an experimental facility based on the STS-100 high voltage test stand transferred from LBNL. It consists of a multicusp RF ion source, a pulsed extraction system capable of forming high-perveance 100keV ion beams, and a large six-foot-long vacuum with convenient access for beam diagnostics. This results in a flexible system for studying high perveance ion beams relevant to NDCX-I/II, including experiments on beam neutralization by ferroelectric plasma sources (FEPS) being developed at PPPL. Research on PATS will concern the basic physics of beam-plasma interactions, such as the effects of volume neutralization on beam emittance, as well as optimizing technology of the FEPS. PATS combines the advantage of an ion beam source and a large-volume plasma source in a chamber with ample access for diagnostics, resulting in a robust setup for investigating and improving relevant aspects of neutralized drift. There are also plans for running the ion source with strongly electro-negative gases such as chlorine, making it possible to extract positive or negative ion beams.

New ion source for KSTAR neutral beam injection system.

PubMed

Kim, Tae-Seong; Jeong, Seung Ho; In, Sang-Ryul

2012-02-01

The neutral beam injection system (NBI-1) of the KSTAR tokamak can accommodate three ion sources; however, it is currently equipped with only one prototype ion source. In the 2010 and 2011 KSTAR campaigns, this ion source supplied deuterium neutral beam power of 0.7-1.6 MW to the KSTAR plasma with a beam energy of 70-100 keV. A new ion source will be prepared for the 2012 KSTAR campaign with a much advanced performance compared with the previous one. The newly designed ion source has a very large transparency (∼56%) without deteriorating the beam optics, which is designed to deliver a 2 MW injection power of deuterium beams at 100 keV. The plasma generator of the ion source is of a horizontally cusped bucket type, and the whole inner wall, except the cathode filaments and plasma grid side, functions as an anode. The accelerator assembly consists of four multi-circular aperture grids made of copper and four electrode flanges made of aluminum alloy. The electrodes are insulated using PEEK. The ion source will be completed and tested in 2011.

Improving the viability and versatility of the E × B probe with an active cooling system.

PubMed

Liu, Lihui; Cai, Guobiao; You, Fengyi; Ren, Xiang; Zheng, Hongru; He, Bijiao

2018-04-01

A thermostatic E × B probe is designed to protect the probe body from the thermal effect of the plasma plume that has a significant influence on the resolution of the probe for high-power electric thrusters. An active cooling system, which consists of a cooling panel and carbon fiber felts combined with a recycling system of liquid coolants or an open-type system of gas coolants, is employed to realize the protection of the probe. The threshold for the design parameters for the active cooling system is estimated by deriving the energy transfer of the plasma plume-probe body interaction and the energy taken away by the coolants, and the design details are explained. The diagnostics of the LIPS-300 ion thruster with a power of 3 kW and a screen-grid voltage of 1450 V was implemented by the designed thermostatic E × B probe. The measured spectra illustrate that the thermostatic E × B probe can distinguish the fractions of Xe + ions and Xe 2+ ions without areas of overlap. In addition, the temperature of the probe body was less than 306 K in the beam region of the plasma plume during the 200-min-long continuous test. A thermostatic E × B probe is useful for enhancing the viability and versatility of equipment and for reducing uneconomical and complex test procedures.

Improving the viability and versatility of the E × B probe with an active cooling system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Lihui; Cai, Guobiao; You, Fengyi; Ren, Xiang; Zheng, Hongru; He, Bijiao

2018-04-01

A thermostatic E × B probe is designed to protect the probe body from the thermal effect of the plasma plume that has a significant influence on the resolution of the probe for high-power electric thrusters. An active cooling system, which consists of a cooling panel and carbon fiber felts combined with a recycling system of liquid coolants or an open-type system of gas coolants, is employed to realize the protection of the probe. The threshold for the design parameters for the active cooling system is estimated by deriving the energy transfer of the plasma plume-probe body interaction and the energy taken away by the coolants, and the design details are explained. The diagnostics of the LIPS-300 ion thruster with a power of 3 kW and a screen-grid voltage of 1450 V was implemented by the designed thermostatic E × B probe. The measured spectra illustrate that the thermostatic E × B probe can distinguish the fractions of Xe+ ions and Xe2+ ions without areas of overlap. In addition, the temperature of the probe body was less than 306 K in the beam region of the plasma plume during the 200-min-long continuous test. A thermostatic E × B probe is useful for enhancing the viability and versatility of equipment and for reducing uneconomical and complex test procedures.

The Relationship of CSF and Plasma Cytokine Levels in HIV Infected Patients with Neurocognitive Impairment

PubMed Central

Yuan, Lin; Liu, An; Qiao, Luxin; Sheng, Bo; Xu, Meng; Li, Wei; Chen, Dexi

2015-01-01

Although HAD is now rare due to HAART, the milder forms of HAND persist in HIV-infected patients. HIV-induced systemic and localized inflammation is considered to be one of the mechanisms of HAND. The levels of cytokines in CSF were associated with neurocognitive impairment in HIV infection. However, the changes of cytokines involved in cognition impairment in plasma have not been shown, and their relationships between CSF and plasma require to be addressed. We compared cytokine levels in paired CSF and plasma samples from HIV-infected individuals with or without neurocognitive impairment. Cytokine concentrations were measured by Luminex xMAP. In comparing the expression levels of cytokines in plasma and CSF, IFN-α2, IL-8, IP-10, and MCP-1 were significantly higher in CSF. Eotaxin was significantly higher in plasma, whereas G-CSF showed no difference between plasma and CSF. G-CSF (P = 0.0079), IL-8 (P = 0.0223), IP-10 (P = 0.0109), and MCP-1 (P = 0.0497) in CSF showed significant difference between HIV-CI and HIV-NC group, which may indicate their relationship to HIV associated neurocognitive impairment. In addition, G-CSF (P = 0.0191) and IP-10 (P = 0.0377) in plasma were significantly higher in HIV-CI than HIV-NC. The consistent changes of G-CSF and IP-10 in paired plasma and CSF samples might enhance their potential for predicting HAND. PMID:25821806

A comparative study of radiofrequency antennas for Helicon plasma sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Melazzi, D.; Lancellotti, V.

2015-04-01

Since Helicon plasma sources can efficiently couple power and generate high-density plasma, they have received interest also as spacecraft propulsive devices, among other applications. In order to maximize the power deposited into the plasma, it is necessary to assess the performance of the radiofrequency (RF) antenna that drives the discharge, as typical plasma parameters (e.g. the density) are varied. For this reason, we have conducted a comparative analysis of three Helicon sources which feature different RF antennas, namely, the single-loop, the Nagoya type-III and the fractional helix. These antennas are compared in terms of input impedance and induced current density; in particular, the real part of the impedance constitutes a measure of the antenna ability to couple power into the plasma. The results presented in this work have been obtained through a full-wave approach which (being hinged on the numerical solution of a system of integral equations) allows computing the antenna current and impedance self-consistently. Our findings indicate that certain combinations of plasma parameters can indeed maximize the real part of the input impedance and, thus, the deposited power, and that one of the three antennas analyzed performs best for a given plasma. Furthermore, unlike other strategies which rely on approximate antenna models, our approach enables us to reveal that the antenna current density is not spatially uniform, and that a correlation exists between the plasma parameters and the spatial distribution of the current density.

Axisymmetric Self-Consistent Model of the Solar Wind Interaction with the Lism: Basic Results and Possible Ways of Development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baranov, V. B.; Malama, Yu. G.

1996-10-01

We analyze the main results of the axisymmetric self-consistent model of the solar wind (SW) and supersonic local interstellar medium (LISM) interaction proposed by Baranov and Malama (1993, hereafter BM93, 1995) for an interstellar flow assumed to be composed of protons, electrons and hydrogen atoms. Here, in addition to the resonant charge exchange we also take into account the photoionization and the ionization by electron impact. The characteristics of the plasma in the interface region and inside the heliosphere depend strongly on the ionization degree of the LISM. The distribution function of the H atoms which penetrate the solar system from the LISM is non-Maxwellian, which implies that a pure hydrodynamic description of their motion is not appropriate. The H atom number density is a non-monotonic function of the heliocentric distance and the existence of a “hydrogen wall” in the vicinity of the heliopause is important for the interpretation of solar Lyman-alpha scattering experiments. The influence of the interface plasma structure on the interstellar oxygen penetration into the solar system is also illustrated. Possible ways of development of the model are analyzed.

Material exposure effects in a simulated low-Earth orbit environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maldonado, C.; McHarg, G.; Asmolova, O.; Andersen, G.; Rodrigues, S.; Ketsdever, A.

2016-11-01

Spacecraft operating in low-Earth orbit (LEO) are subjected to a number of hazardous environmental constituents that can lead to decreased system performance and reduced operational lifetimes. Due to their thermal, optical, and mechanical properties, polymers are used extensively in space systems; however they are particularly susceptible to material erosion and degradation as a result of exposure to the LEO environment. The focus of this research is to examine the material erosion and mass loss experienced by the Novastrat 500 polyimide due to exposure in a simulated LEO environment. In addition to the polymer samples, chrome, silver and gold specimens will be examined to measure the oxidation rate and act as a control specimen, respectively. A magnetically filtered atomic oxygen plasma source has previously been developed and characterized for the purpose of simulating the low-Earth orbit environment. The plasma source can be operated at a variety of discharge currents and gas flow rates, of which the plasma parameters downstream of the source are dependent. The characteristics of the generated plasma were examined as a function of these operating parameters to optimize the production of O+ ions with energy relevant to LEO applications, where the ram energy of the ions due to the motion of the satellite relative to the LEO plasma is high (e.g. 7800 m/s, which corresponds to approximately 5 eV of kinetic energy for O+ ions). The plasma downstream of the source consists of streaming ions with energy of approximately 5 eV and an ion species fraction that is approximately 90% O+.

Diagnostic system design for the Ion Auxiliary Propulsion System (IAPS). Flight tests of two 8 cm mercury ion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hurst, E. B.; Thomas, G. Z.

1981-01-01

The mechanical, thermal, electrical design and the ground test results of four types of detectors are explained. The DSS is designed to measure the thruster efflux material deposition and S/C potential relative to the local plasma in the vicinity of two 8 cm mercury ion thrusters. The DSS consists of two quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) detectors, one potential probe, nine solar cell arrays, seven ion collectors and two electronic packages.

Dietary cholesterol and plasma lipoprotein profiles: Randomized controlled trials

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Early work suggested that dietary cholesterol increased plasma total cholesterol concentrations in humans. Given the relationship between elevated plasma cholesterol concentrations and cardiovascular disease risk, dietary guidelines have consistently recommended limiting food sources of cholesterol....

The mosaic structure of plasma bulk flows in the Earth's magnetotail

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ashour-Abdalla, M.; Richard, R. L.; Zelenyi, L. M.; Peroomian, V.; Bosqued, J. M.

1995-01-01

Moments of plasma distributions observed in the magnetotail vary with different time scales. In this paper we attempt to explain the observed variability on intermediate timescales of approximately 10-20 min that result from the simultaneous energization and spatial structuring of solar wind plasma in the distant magnetotail. These processes stimulate the formation of a system of spatially disjointed. highly accelerated filaments (beamlets) in the tail. We use the results from large-scale kinetic modeling of magnetotail formation from a plasma mantle source to calculate moments of ion distribution functions throughout the tail. Statistical restrictions related to the limited number of particles in our system naturally reduce the spatial resolution of our results, but we show that our model is valid on intermediate spatial scales Delta(x) x Delta(z) equal to approximately 1 R(sub E) x 1000 km. For these spatial scales the resulting pattern, which resembles a mosaic, appears to be quite variable. The complexity of the pattern is related to the spatial interference between beamlets accelerated at various locations within the distant tail which mirror in the strong near-Earth magnetic field. Global motion of the magnetotail results in the displacement of spacecraft with respect to this mosaic pattern and can produce variations in all of the moments (especially the x-component of the bulk velocity) on intermediate timescales. The results obtained enable us to view the magnetotail plasma as consisting of two different populations: a tailward-Earthward system of highly accelerated beamlets interfering with each other, and an energized quasithermal population which gradually builds as the Earth is approached. In the near-Earth tail, these populations merge into a hot quasi-isotropic ion population typical of the near-Earth plasma sheet. The transformation of plasma sheet boundary layer (PSBL) beam energy into central plasma sheet (CPS) quasi-thermal energy occurs in the absence of collisions or noise. This paper also clarifies the relationship between the global scale where an MHD description might be appropriate and the lower intermediate scales where MHD fails and large-scale kinetic theory should be used.

[Evaluation of Consistency in detection of epidermal growth factor receptor gene T790M mutation in plasma and tumor specimens of patients with lung adenocarcinoma].

PubMed

Du, J; Wang, Z; Yang, L; Di, J; Zhang, J G; Wang, T Y; Liu, D G

2018-01-23

Objective: To evaluate the consistency in detection of T790M mutation of epidermal growth factor receptor gene (EGFR) in plasma and tumor samples of patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Methods: The tumor tissues or cytological specimens of 12 patients with operable lung adenocarcinoma(stage Ⅰ-ⅢA) and 100 patients with advanced stage ⅢB-Ⅳ lung adenocarcinoma were collected, among which 11 patients showed acquired resistance for gefitinib (11/100). In the same period, peripheral blood samples were collected from all patients and 50 healthy volunteers. Amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) was used to detect EGFR mutations in tumor specimens. Next Generation Sequencing(NGS) based circulating single-molecule amplification and resequencing technology (cSMART)was performed to quantitatively detect the EGFR mutations in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from plasma specimens. Results: The sensitivity, specificity and concordance rate of EGFR T790M mutation between plasma and tissue specimens from 100 advanced stage patients were 50.0%, 72.9% and 72.0%, respectively. For L858R mutation and exon 19 deletion mutations, the above mentioned sensitivity, specificity and concordance rate were 91.7%, 100.0%, and 98.0%, as well as 79.2%, 100.0% and 95.0%, respectively. The L858R mutation and exon 19 deletion mutations were not detected in plasma of 50 healthy volunteers, whereasT790M mutation(1.0±0.0 copies) was found in 7 individuals(7/50, 14.0%). Similarly, in 12 resectable patients, 4 (4/12, 33.3%) T790M mutations were found in plasma (1.2±0.2 copies), but no L858R mutation and 19 exon deletion mutations. In comparison, 28.0% of patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma (28/100)had detectable T790M mutation in plasma with copy numbers (34.0±22.7 copies). Furthermore, the copy numbers of T790M were 268.2±119.9 in plasma of 5 cases with acquired gefitinib-resistance. Conclusions: In patients with advanced stages of lung adenocarcinoma, the detection of T790M mutation in plasma and tumor specimens is low. The T790M mutation also exists in the plasma of some healthy controls, suggesting that T790M mutation participates in EGFR signaling pathway and it might function in healthy population.

A Pre-ionization System to Limit Neutral Gas in a Compact Toroid Injector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allfrey, Ian; Roche, Thomas; Matsumoto, Tadafumi; Garate, Eusebio; Gota, Hiroshi; Asai, Tomohiko; the TAE Team

2016-10-01

Fusion plasmas require long lifetimes and high temperatures, both of which are limited by particle loss, among other factors. Therefore, refueling a long-lived advanced beam-driven field-reversed configuration (FRC) plasma in C-2U is necessary, and injecting a supersonic compact toroid (CT) is an effective means of introducing particles into the FRC core. However, neutral gas that trails the CT into the target chamber cools the FRC. Pre-ionization (PI) system assists the break down between electrodes of the CT injector (CTI), so the amount of introduced gas can be lowered by up to a factor of two, effectively increasing the ionization fraction; thus, reducing the amount of neutral gas in the system. Additionally, the PI decreases the delay in CTI breakdown so a highly reproducible operation is achievable. The PI system consists of a fast, high voltage, pulse discharge circuit coupled to a Teflon insulated semi-rigid coaxial cable inserted into the CTI. System details and experimental data will be presented, in addition to issues such as the introduction of impurities and pre-ionizer lifetime.

Evaluation of CFETR as a Fusion Nuclear Science Facility using multiple system codes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chan, V. S.; Costley, A. E.; Wan, B. N.; Garofalo, A. M.; Leuer, J. A.

2015-02-01

This paper presents the results of a multi-system codes benchmarking study of the recently published China Fusion Engineering Test Reactor (CFETR) pre-conceptual design (Wan et al 2014 IEEE Trans. Plasma Sci. 42 495). Two system codes, General Atomics System Code (GASC) and Tokamak Energy System Code (TESC), using different methodologies to arrive at CFETR performance parameters under the same CFETR constraints show that the correlation between the physics performance and the fusion performance is consistent, and the computed parameters are in good agreement. Optimization of the first wall surface for tritium breeding and the minimization of the machine size are highly compatible. Variations of the plasma currents and profiles lead to changes in the required normalized physics performance, however, they do not significantly affect the optimized size of the machine. GASC and TESC have also been used to explore a lower aspect ratio, larger volume plasma taking advantage of the engineering flexibility in the CFETR design. Assuming the ITER steady-state scenario physics, the larger plasma together with a moderately higher BT and Ip can result in a high gain Qfus ˜ 12, Pfus ˜ 1 GW machine approaching DEMO-like performance. It is concluded that the CFETR baseline mode can meet the minimum goal of the Fusion Nuclear Science Facility (FNSF) mission and advanced physics will enable it to address comprehensively the outstanding critical technology gaps on the path to a demonstration reactor (DEMO). Before proceeding with CFETR construction steady-state operation has to be demonstrated, further development is needed to solve the divertor heat load issue, and blankets have to be designed with tritium breeding ratio (TBR) >1 as a target.

Full-Particle Simulations on Electrostatic Plasma Environment near Lunar Vertical Holes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miyake, Y.; Nishino, M. N.

2015-12-01

The Kaguya satellite and the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter have observed a number of vertical holes on the terrestrial Moon [Haruyama et al., GRL, 2009; Robinson et al., PSS, 2012], which have spatial scales of tens of meters and are possible lava tube skylights. The hole structure has recently received particular attention, because the structure gives an important clue to the complex volcanic history of the Moon. The holes also have high potential as locations for constructing future lunar bases, because of fewer extra-lunar rays/particles and micrometeorites reaching the hole bottoms. In this sense, these holes are not only interesting in selenology, but are also significant from the viewpoint of electrostatic environments. The subject can also be an interesting resource of research in comparative planetary science, because hole structures have been found in other solar system bodies such as the Mars. The lunar dayside electrostatic environment is governed by electrodynamic interactions among the solar wind plasma, photoelectrons, and the charged lunar surface, providing topologically complex boundaries to the plasma. We use the three-dimensional, massively-parallelized, particle-in-cell simulation code EMSES [Miyake and Usui, POP, 2009] to simulate the near-hole plasma environment on the Moon [Miyake and Nishino, Icarus, 2015]. We took into account the solar wind plasma downflow, photoelectron emission from the sunlit part of the lunar surface, and plasma charge deposition on the surface. The simulation domain consists of 400×400×2000 grid points and contains about 25 billion plasma macro-particles. Thus, we need to use supercomputers for the simulations. The vertical wall of the hole introduces a new boundary for both photo and solar wind electrons. The current balance condition established at a hole bottom is altered by the limited solar wind electron penetration into the hole and complex photoelectron current paths inside the hole. The self-consistent modeling not only reproduces intense differential charging between sunlit and shadowed surfaces, but also reveals the potential difference between sunlit surfaces inside and outside the hole. The results demonstrate the uniqueness of the near-hole plasma environment as well as provide useful knowledge for future landing missions.

The effects of mind-body training on stress reduction, positive affect, and plasma catecholamines.

PubMed

Jung, Ye-Ha; Kang, Do-Hyung; Jang, Joon Hwan; Park, Hye Yoon; Byun, Min Soo; Kwon, Soo Jin; Jang, Go-Eun; Lee, Ul Soon; An, Seung Chan; Kwon, Jun Soo

2010-07-26

This study was designed to assess the association between stress, positive affect and catecholamine levels in meditation and control groups. The meditation group consisted of 67 subjects who regularly engaged in mind-body training of "Brain-Wave Vibration" and the control group consisted of 57 healthy subjects. Plasma catecholamine (norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (E), and dopamine (DA)) levels were measured, and a modified form of the Stress Response Inventory (SRI-MF) and the Positive Affect and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS) were administered. The meditation group showed higher scores on positive affect (p=.019) and lower scores on stress (p<.001) compared with the control group. Plasma DA levels were also higher in the meditation (p=.031) than in the control group. The control group demonstrated a negative correlation between stress and positive affects (r=-.408, p=.002), whereas this correlation was not observed in the meditation group. The control group showed positive correlations between somatization and NE/E (r=.267, p=.045) and DA/E (r=.271, p=.042) ratios, whereas these correlations did not emerge in the meditation group. In conclusion, these results suggest that meditation as mind-body training is associated with lower stress, higher positive affect and higher plasma DA levels when comparing the meditation group with the control group. Thus, mind-body training may influence stress, positive affect and the sympathetic nervous system including DA activity. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of lithium in the DIII-D SOL and plasma-facing surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jackson, G. L.; Chrobak, C. P.; McLean, A. G.; Maingi, R.; Mansfield, D. K.; Roquemore, A. L.; Diwakar, P.; Hassanein, A.; Lietz, A.; Rudakov, D. L.; Sizyuk, T.; Tripathi, J.

2015-08-01

Lithium has been introduced into the DIII-D tokamak, and migration and retention in graphite have been characterized since no lithium was present in DIII-D initially. A new regime with an enhanced edge electron pedestal and H98y2 ⩽ 2 has been obtained with lithium. Lithium deposition was not uniform, but rather preferentially deposited near the strike points, consistent with previous 13C experiments. Edge visible lithium light (LiI) remained well above the previous background during the entire DIII-D campaign, decaying with a 2600 plasma-second e-fold, but plasma performance was only affected on the discharge with lithium injection. Lithium injection demonstrated the capability of reducing hydrogenic recycling, density, and ELM frequency. Graphite and silicon samples were exposed to a lithium-injected discharge, using the DiMES system and then removed for ex-situ analysis. The deposited lithium layer remained detectable to a depth up to 1 μm.

The VASIMR[registered trademark] VF-200-1 ISS Experiment as a Laboratory for Astrophysics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glover Tim W.; Squire, Jared P.; Longmier, Benjamin; Cassady, Leonard; Ilin, Andrew; Carter, Mark; Olsen, Chris S.; McCaskill, Greg; Diaz, Franklin Chang; Girimaji, Sharath;

High temperature plasma in beta Lyrae, observed from Copernicus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kondo, Y.; Hack, M.; Hutchings, J. B.; Mccluskey, G. E., Jr.; Plavec, M.; Polidan, R. S.

1975-01-01

High-resolution UV spectrophotometry of the complex close binary system beta Lyrae was performed with a telescope spectrometer on board Copernicus. Observations were made at phases 0.0, 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 with resolutions of 0.2 A (far-UV) and 0.4 A (mid-UV). The far-UV spectrum is completely dominated by emission lines indicating the existence of a high-temperature plasma in this binary. The spectrum of this object is unlike that of any other object observed from Copernicus. It is believed that this high-temperature plasma results from dynamic mass transfer taking place in the binary. The current results are compared with OAO-2 observations and other observational results. The possibility that the secondary component is a collapsed object is also discussed; the Copernicus observations are consistent with the hypothesis that the spectroscopically invisible secondary component is a black hole.

Observation of frequency cutoff for self-excited dust acoustic waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nosenko, V.; Zhdanov, S. K.; Morfill, G. E.; Kim, S.-H.; Heinrich, J.; Merlino, R. L.

2009-11-01

Complex (dusty) plasmas consist of fine solid particles suspended in a weakly ionized gas. Complex plasmas are excellent model systems to study wave phenomena down to the level of individual ``atoms''. Spontaneously excited dust acoustic waves were observed with high temporal resolution in a suspension of micron-size kaolin particles in a dc discharge in argon. Wave activity was found at frequencies as high as 400 Hz. At high wave numbers, the wave dispersion relation was acoustic-like (frequency proportional to wave number). At low wave numbers, the wave frequency did not tend to zero, but reached a cutoff frequency fc instead. The value of fc declined with distance from the anode. We propose a simple model that explains the observed cutoff by particle confinement in plasma. The existence of a cutoff frequency is very important for the propagation of waves: the waves excited above fc are propagating, and those below fc are evanescent.

The VASIMR® VF-200-1 ISS Experiment as a Laboratory for Astrophysics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glover, T.; Squire, J. P.; Longmier, B. W.; Carter, M. D.; Ilin, A. V.; Cassady, L. D.; Olsen, C. S.; Chang Díaz, F.; McCaskill, G. E.; Bering, E. A.; Garrison, D.; Girimaji, S.; Araya, D.; Morin, L.; Shebalin, J. V.

2010-12-01

The VASIMR® Flight Experiment (VF-200-1) will be tested in space aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in about four years. It will consist of two 100 kW parallel plasma engines with opposite magnetic dipoles, resulting in a near zero-torque magnetic system. Electrical energy will come from ISS at low power level, be stored in batteries and used to fire the engine at 200 kW. The VF-200-1 project will provide a unique opportunity on the ISS National Laboratory for astrophysicists and space physicists to study the dynamic evolution of an expanding and reconnecting plasma loop. Here, we review the status of the project and discuss our current plans for computational modeling and in situ observation of a dynamic plasma loop on an experimental platform in low-Earth orbit. The VF-200-1 project is still in the early stages of development and we welcome new collaborators.

Highly effective fungal inactivation in He+O{sub 2} atmospheric-pressure nonequilibrium plasmas

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xiong, Z.; Lu, X. P.; Pan, Y.

2010-12-15

Highly effective (more than 99.9%) inactivation of a pathogenic fungus Candida albicans commonly found in oral, respiratory, digestive, and reproduction systems of a human body using atmospheric-pressure plasma jets sustained in He+O{sub 2} gas mixtures is reported. The inactivation is demonstrated in two fungal culture configurations with open (Petri dish without a cover) and restricted access to the atmosphere (Petri dish with a cover) under specific experimental conditions. It is shown that the fungal inactivation is remarkably more effective in the second configuration. This observation is supported by the scanning and transmission electron microscopy of the fungi before and aftermore » the plasma treatment. The inactivation mechanism explains the experimental observations under different experimental conditions and is consistent with the reports by other authors. The results are promising for the development of advanced health care applications.« less

Repletion of Zinc and Iron Deficiencies Improves Cognition of Premenopausal Women.

DTIC Science & Technology

1997-10-01

to our earlier observations in premenopausal women (1, 13) and are consistent with the fact that many premenopausal women select diets that are low...women: associations of diet with serum ferritin and plasma zinc disappearance, and of serum ferritin with plasma zinc and plasma zinc disappearance...women: Associations of diet with serum ferritin and plasma zinc disappearance and of serum ferritin with plasma zinc and plasma zinc disappearance. J

High-fidelity target sequencing of individual molecules identified using barcode sequences: de novo detection and absolute quantitation of mutations in plasma cell-free DNA from cancer patients.

PubMed

Kukita, Yoji; Matoba, Ryo; Uchida, Junji; Hamakawa, Takuya; Doki, Yuichiro; Imamura, Fumio; Kato, Kikuya

2015-08-01

Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) is an emerging field of cancer research. However, current ctDNA analysis is usually restricted to one or a few mutation sites due to technical limitations. In the case of massively parallel DNA sequencers, the number of false positives caused by a high read error rate is a major problem. In addition, the final sequence reads do not represent the original DNA population due to the global amplification step during the template preparation. We established a high-fidelity target sequencing system of individual molecules identified in plasma cell-free DNA using barcode sequences; this system consists of the following two steps. (i) A novel target sequencing method that adds barcode sequences by adaptor ligation. This method uses linear amplification to eliminate the errors introduced during the early cycles of polymerase chain reaction. (ii) The monitoring and removal of erroneous barcode tags. This process involves the identification of individual molecules that have been sequenced and for which the number of mutations have been absolute quantitated. Using plasma cell-free DNA from patients with gastric or lung cancer, we demonstrated that the system achieved near complete elimination of false positives and enabled de novo detection and absolute quantitation of mutations in plasma cell-free DNA. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Kazusa DNA Research Institute.

6-7 Mev Characteristic Gamma-Ray Source Using A Plasma Opening Switch And A Marx Bank

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-06-01

of Hawk, including the POS, is shown in Fig. 2a. The POS consists of 12 plasma guns made from coaxial cables that inject ionized plasma radially...inward between two coaxial conductors prior to firing the generator. The POS plasma conducts the generator current as a short circuit for about 700...vacuum gap in the plasma . High-energy electron- and ion-beams form in the plasma -filled coaxial region, with ions from the plasma and the polyethylene

Dust particle radial confinement in a dc glow discharge.

PubMed

Sukhinin, G I; Fedoseev, A V; Antipov, S N; Petrov, O F; Fortov, V E

2013-01-01

A self-consistent nonlocal model of the positive column of a dc glow discharge with dust particles is presented. Radial distributions of plasma parameters and the dust component in an axially homogeneous glow discharge are considered. The model is based on the solution of a nonlocal Boltzmann equation for the electron energy distribution function, drift-diffusion equations for ions, and the Poisson equation for a self-consistent electric field. The radial distribution of dust particle density in a dust cloud was fixed as a given steplike function or was chosen according to an equilibrium Boltzmann distribution. The balance of electron and ion production in argon ionization by an electron impact and their losses on the dust particle surface and on the discharge tube walls is taken into account. The interrelation of discharge plasma and the dust cloud is studied in a self-consistent way, and the radial distributions of the discharge plasma and dust particle parameters are obtained. It is shown that the influence of the dust cloud on the discharge plasma has a nonlocal behavior, e.g., density and charge distributions in the dust cloud substantially depend on the plasma parameters outside the dust cloud. As a result of a self-consistent evolution of plasma parameters to equilibrium steady-state conditions, ionization and recombination rates become equal to each other, electron and ion radial fluxes become equal to zero, and the radial component of electric field is expelled from the dust cloud.

TOPICA/TORIC integration for self-consistent antenna and plasma analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maggiora, Riccardo; Lancellotti, Vito; Milanesio, Daniele; Kyrytsya, Volodymyr; Vecchi, Giuseppe; Bonoli, Paul T.; Wright, John C.

2006-10-01

TOPICA [1] is a numerical suite conceived for prediction and analysis of plasma-facing antennas. It can handle real-life 3D antenna geometries (with housing, Faraday screen, etc.) as well as a realistic plasma model, including measured density and temperature profiles. TORIC [2] solves the finite Larmor radius wave equations in the ICRF regime in arbitrary axisymmetric toroidal plasmas. Due to the approach followed in developing TOPICA (i.e. the formal splitting of the problem in the vacuum region around the antenna and the plasma region inside the toroidal chamber), the code lends itself to handle toroidal plasmas, provided TORIC is run independently to yield the plasma surface admittance tensorsY (m,m',n). The latter enter directly into the integral equations solved by TOPICA, thus allowing a far more accurate plasma description that accounts for curvature effects. TOPICA outputs comprise, among others, the EM fields in front of the plasma: these can in turn be input to TORIC, in order to self-consistently determine the EM field propagation in the plasma. In this work, we report on the theory underlying the TOPICA/TORIC integration and the ongoing evolution of the two codes. [1] V. Lancellotti et al., Nucl. Fusion, 46 (2006) S476 [2] M. Brambilla, Plasma Phys. Contr. Fusion (1999) 41 1

Kinematic dust viscosity effect on linear and nonlinear dust-acoustic waves in space dusty plasmas with nonthermal ions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

El-Hanbaly, A. M.; Sallah, M., E-mail: msallahd@mans.edu.eg; El-Shewy, E. K.

2015-10-15

Linear and nonlinear dust-acoustic (DA) waves are studied in a collisionless, unmagnetized and dissipative dusty plasma consisting of negatively charged dust grains, Boltzmann-distributed electrons, and nonthermal ions. The normal mode analysis is used to obtain a linear dispersion relation illustrating the dependence of the wave damping rate on the carrier wave number, the dust viscosity coefficient, the ratio of the ion temperature to the electron temperatures, and the nonthermal parameter. The plasma system is analyzed nonlinearly via the reductive perturbation method that gives the KdV-Burgers equation. Some interesting physical solutions are obtained to study the nonlinear waves. These solutions aremore » related to soliton, a combination between a shock and a soliton, and monotonic and oscillatory shock waves. Their behaviors are illustrated and shown graphically. The characteristics of the DA solitary and shock waves are significantly modified by the presence of nonthermal (fast) ions, the ratio of the ion temperature to the electron temperature, and the dust kinematic viscosity. The topology of the phase portrait and the potential diagram of the KdV-Burgers equation is illustrated, whose advantage is the ability to predict different classes of traveling wave solutions according to different phase orbits. The energy of the soliton wave and the electric field are calculated. The results in this paper can be generalized to analyze the nature of plasma waves in both space and laboratory plasma systems.« less

Generation of Suprathermal Electrons by Collective Processes in Collisional Plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tigik, S. F.; Ziebell, L. F.; Yoon, P. H.

2017-11-01

The ubiquity of high-energy tails in the charged particle velocity distribution functions (VDFs) observed in space plasmas suggests the existence of an underlying process responsible for taking a fraction of the charged particle population out of thermal equilibrium and redistributing it to suprathermal velocity and energy ranges. The present Letter focuses on a new and fundamental physical explanation for the origin of suprathermal electron velocity distribution function (EVDF) in a collisional plasma. This process involves a newly discovered electrostatic bremsstrahlung (EB) emission that is effective in a plasma in which binary collisions are present. The steady-state EVDF dictated by such a process corresponds to a Maxwellian core plus a quasi-inverse power-law tail, which is a feature commonly observed in many space plasma environments. In order to demonstrate this, the system of self-consistent particle- and wave-kinetic equations are numerically solved with an initially Maxwellian EVDF and Langmuir wave spectral intensity, which is a state that does not reflect the presence of EB process, and hence not in force balance. The EB term subsequently drives the system to a new force-balanced steady state. After a long integration period it is demonstrated that the initial Langmuir fluctuation spectrum is modified, which in turn distorts the initial Maxwellian EVDF into a VDF that resembles the said core-suprathermal VDF. Such a mechanism may thus be operative at the coronal source region, which is characterized by high collisionality.

Formation of Heliospheric Arcs of Slow Solar Wind

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Higginson, A. K.; Antiochos, S. K.; Devore, C. R.; Wyper, P. F.; Zurbuchen, T. H.

2017-01-01

A major challenge in solar and heliospheric physics is understanding the origin and nature of the so-called slow solar wind. The Sun's atmosphere is divided into magnetically open regions, known as coronal holes, where the plasma streams out freely and fills the solar system, and closed regions, where the plasma is confined to coronal loops. The boundary between these regions extends outward as the heliospheric current sheet (HCS). Measurements of plasma composition strongly imply that much of the slow wind consists of plasma from the closed corona that escapes onto open field lines, presumably by field-line opening or by interchange reconnection. Both of these processes are expected to release closed-field plasma into the solar wind within and immediately adjacent to the HCS. Mysteriously, however, slow wind with closed-field plasma composition is often observed in situ far from the HCS. We use high-resolution, three-dimensional, magnetohydrodynamic simulations to calculate the dynamics of a coronal hole with a geometry that includes a narrow corridor flanked by closed field and is driven by supergranule-like flows at the coronal-hole boundary. These dynamics produce giant arcs of closed-field plasma that originate at the open-closed boundary in the corona, but extend far from the HCS and span tens of degrees in latitude and longitude at Earth. We conclude that such structures can account for the long-puzzling slow-wind observations.

Spherical EUV and Plasma Spectrometer (seps) -a Monitor to Measure the Plasma and EUV Environment in Space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brunner, Raimund; Schmidtke, Gerhard; Konz, Werner; Pfeffer, Wilfried

A low-cost monitor to measure the EUV and plasma environment in space is presented. The device consists of three (or more) isolated spheres, a metallic sphere, one or more highly trans-parent Inner Grids and Outer Grids. Each one is being connected to a sensitive floating elec-trometer. By setting different potentials to the grids as well as to the sphere and varying one or more of their voltages, measurements of spectral solar EUV irradiance (15-200 nm), of local plasma parameters such as electron and ion densities, electron energies and temperatures as well as ion compositions and debris events can be derived from the current recordings. This detector does not require any (solar) pointing device. The primary goal is to study the impact of solar activity events (e.g. CMEs) as well as subsequent reactions of the ionospheric/thermospheric systems (including space weather occurences). The capability of SEPS for measuring EUV pho-ton fluxes as well as plasma parameters in the energy range from 0 to +/-70 eV is demonstrated by laboratory measurements as performed in the IPM laboratory, at BESSY-PTB electron syn-chrotron in Berlin and at ESA/ESTEC plasma chamber. Based on the laboratory recording of plasma recombination EUV emission the sensor is suitable to detect also auroral and airglow radiations. -The state of the art in the development of this device is reported.

Formation of Heliospheric Arcs of Slow Solar Wind

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Higginson, A. K.; Zurbuchen, T. H.; Antiochos, S. K.

A major challenge in solar and heliospheric physics is understanding the origin and nature of the so-called slow solar wind. The Sun’s atmosphere is divided into magnetically open regions, known as coronal holes, where the plasma streams out freely and fills the solar system, and closed regions, where the plasma is confined to coronal loops. The boundary between these regions extends outward as the heliospheric current sheet (HCS). Measurements of plasma composition strongly imply that much of the slow wind consists of plasma from the closed corona that escapes onto open field lines, presumably by field-line opening or by interchangemore » reconnection. Both of these processes are expected to release closed-field plasma into the solar wind within and immediately adjacent to the HCS. Mysteriously, however, slow wind with closed-field plasma composition is often observed in situ far from the HCS. We use high-resolution, three-dimensional, magnetohydrodynamic simulations to calculate the dynamics of a coronal hole with a geometry that includes a narrow corridor flanked by closed field and is driven by supergranule-like flows at the coronal-hole boundary. These dynamics produce giant arcs of closed-field plasma that originate at the open-closed boundary in the corona, but extend far from the HCS and span tens of degrees in latitude and longitude at Earth. We conclude that such structures can account for the long-puzzling slow-wind observations.« less

Hydrogen recovery from the thermal plasma gasification of solid waste.

PubMed

Byun, Youngchul; Cho, Moohyun; Chung, Jae Woo; Namkung, Won; Lee, Hyeon Don; Jang, Sung Duk; Kim, Young-Suk; Lee, Jin-Ho; Lee, Carg-Ro; Hwang, Soon-Mo

2011-06-15

Thermal plasma gasification has been demonstrated as one of the most effective and environmentally friendly methods for solid waste treatment and energy utilization in many of studies. Therefore, the thermal plasma process of solid waste gasification (paper mill waste, 1.2 ton/day) was applied for the recovery of high purity H(2) (>99.99%). Gases emitted from a gasification furnace equipped with a nontransferred thermal plasma torch were purified using a bag-filter and wet scrubber. Thereafter, the gases, which contained syngas (CO+H(2)), were introduced into a H(2) recovery system, consisting largely of a water gas shift (WGS) unit for the conversion of CO to H(2) and a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) unit for the separation and purification of H(2). It was successfully demonstrated that the thermal plasma process of solid waste gasification, combined with the WGS and PSA, produced high purity H(2) (20 N m(3)/h (400 H(2)-Nm(3)/PMW-ton), up to 99.99%) using a plasma torch with 1.6 MWh/PMW-ton of electricity. The results presented here suggest that the thermal plasma process of solid waste gasification for the production of high purity H(2) may provide a new approach as a future energy infrastructure based on H(2). Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Nonlinear Coupling of Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron and Lower Hybrid Waves in the Ring Current Region: The Magnetic Storm May 1-7 1998

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Khazanov, G. V.; Krivorutsky, E.; Gamayunov, K.; Avanov, L.

2003-01-01

The excitation of lower hybrid waves (LHWs) is a widely discussed mechanism of interaction between plasma species in space, and is one of the unresolved questions of magnetospheric multi-ion plasmas. In this paper we present the morphology, dynamics, and level of LHW activity generated by electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves during the May 2-7, 1998 storm period on the global scale. The LHWs were calculated based on our newly developed self-consistent model that couples the system of two kinetic equations: one equation describes the ring current (RC) ion dynamic, and another equation describes the evolution of EMIC waves. It is found that the LHWs are excited by helium ions due to their mass dependent drift in the electric field of EMIC waves. The level of LHW activity is calculated assuming that the induced scattering process is the main saturation mechanism for these waves. The calculated LHWs electric fields are consistent with the observational data.

The Nonlinear Coupling of Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron and Lower Hybrid Waves in the Ring Current Region

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Khazanov, G. V.

2004-01-01

The excitation of lower hybrid waves (LHWs) is a widely discussed mechanism of interaction between plasma species in space, and is one of the unresolved questions of magnetospheric multi-ion plasmas. In this paper we present the morphology, dynamics, and level of LHW activity generated by electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves during the May 2-7, 1998 storm period on the global scale. The LHWs were calculated based on a newly developed self-consistent model (Khazanov et. al., 2002, 2003) that couples the system of two kinetic equations: one equation describes the ring current (RC) ion dynamic, and another equation describes the evolution of EMIC waves. It is found that the LHWs are excited by helium ions due to their mass dependent drift in the electric field of EMIC waves. The level of LHW activity is calculated assuming that the induced scattering process is the main saturation mechanism for these waves. The calculated LHWs electric fields are consistent with the observational data.

Effect of self-consistent magnetic field on plasma sheet penetration to the inner magnetosphere under enhanced convection: RCM simulations combined with force-balance magnetic field solver

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gkioulidou, M.; Wang, C.; Lyons, L. R.; Wolf, R. A.

2010-12-01

Transport of plasma sheet particles into the inner magnetosphere is strongly affected by the penetration of the convection electric field, which is the result of the large-scale magnetosphere-ionosphere electromagnetic coupling. This transport, on the other hand, results in plasma heating and magnetic field stretching, which become very significant in the inner plasma sheet (inside 20 RE). We have previously run simulations with the Rice Convection Model (RCM) to investigate how the earthward penetration of convection electric field, and therefore plasma sheet population, depends on plasma sheet boundary conditions. Outer boundary conditions at r ~20 RE are a function of MLT and interplanetary conditions based on 11 years of Geotail data. In the previous simulations, Tsyganenko 96 magnetic field model (T96) was used so force balance between plasma pressure and magnetic fields was not maintained. We have now integrated the RCM with a magnetic field solver (Liu et al., 2006) to obtain the required force balance in the equatorial plane. We have run the self-consistent simulations under enhanced convection with different boundary conditions in which we kept different parameters (flux tube particle content, plasma pressure, plasma beta, or magnetic fields) at the outer boundary to be MLT-dependent but time independent. Different boundary conditions result in qualitatively similar plasma sheet profiles. The results show that magnetic field has a dawn dusk asymmetry with field lines being more stretched in the pre-midnight sector, due to relatively higher plasma pressure there. The asymmetry in the magnetic fields in turn affects the radial distance and MLT of plasma sheet penetration into the inner magnetosphere. In comparison with results using the T96, plasma transport under self-consistent magnetic field results in proton and electron plasma sheet inner edges that are located in higher latitudes, weaker pressure gradients, and more efficient shielding of the near-Earth convection electric field (since auroral conductance is also confined to higher latitudes). We are currently evaluating the simulated plasma sheet properties by comparing them with statistical results obtained from Geotail and THEMIS observations.

Effect of self-consistent magnetic field on plasma sheet penetration to the inner magnetosphere: Rice convection model simulations combined with modified Dungey force-balanced magnetic field solver

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gkioulidou, Matina; Wang, Chih-Ping; Lyons, Larry R.

2011-12-01

Transport of plasma sheet particles into the inner magnetosphere is crucial to the development of the region 2 (R2) field-aligned current system (FAC), which results in the shielding of the penetration electric field and the formation of subauroral polarization streams (SAPS) and the Harang reversal, phenomena closely associated with storms and substorms. In addition to the electric field, this transport is also strongly affected by the magnetic field, which changes with plasma pressure and is distinctly different from the dipole field in the inner plasma sheet. To determine the feedback of force-balanced magnetic field to the transport, we have integrated the Rice convection model (RCM) with a modified Dungey magnetic field solver to obtain the required force balance in the equatorial plane. Comparing our results with those from a RCM run using a T96 magnetic field, we find that transport under a force-balanced magnetic field results in weaker pressure gradients and thus weaker R2 FAC in the near-Earth region and weaker shielding of the penetration electric field. As a result, plasma sheet protons and electrons penetrate farther earthward, and their inner edges become closer together and more azimuthally symmetric than in the T96 case. The Harang reversal extends farther dawnward, and the SAPS become more confined in radial and latitudinal extents. The magnitudes of azimuthal pressure gradient, the inner edges of thermal protons and electrons, the latitudinal range of the Harang reversal, and the radial and latitudinal widths of the SAPS from the force-balanced run are found to be more consistent with observations.

Association between ADIPOQ SNPs with plasma adiponectin and glucose homeostasis and adiposity phenotypes in the IRAS Family Study.

PubMed

An, S Sandy; Hanley, Anthony J G; Ziegler, Julie T; Brown, W Mark; Haffner, Steven M; Norris, Jill M; Rotter, Jerome I; Guo, Xiuqing; Chen, Y-D Ida; Wagenknecht, Lynne E; Langefeld, Carl D; Bowden, Donald W; Palmer, Nicholette D

2012-12-01

Adiponectin is an adipocytokine associated with a variety of metabolic traits. These associations in human studies, in conjunction with functional studies in model systems, have implicated adiponectin in multiple metabolic processes. We hypothesize that genetic variants associated with plasma adiponectin would also be associated with glucose homeostasis and adiposity phenotypes. The Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Family Study was designed to identify the genetic and environmental basis of insulin resistance and adiposity in the Hispanic- (n=1,424) and African-American (n=604) population. High quality metabolic phenotypes, e.g. insulin sensitivity (S(I)), acute insulin response (AIR), disposition index (DI), fasting glucose, body mass index (BMI), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and waist circumference, were explored. Based on association analysis of more than 40 genetic polymorphisms in the adiponectin gene (ADIPOQ), we found no consistent association of ADIPOQ variants with plasma adiponectin levels and adiposity phenotypes. However, there were two promoter variants, rs17300539 and rs822387, associated with plasma adiponectin levels (P=0.0079 and 0.021, respectively) in the Hispanic-American cohort that were also associated with S(I) (P=0.0067 and 0.013, respectively). In contrast, there was only a single promoter SNP, rs17300539, associated with plasma adiponectin levels (P=0.0018) and fasting glucose (P=0.042) in the African-American cohort. Strikingly, high impact coding variants did not show evidence of association. The lack of consistent patterns of association between variants, adiponectin levels, glucose homeostasis, and adiposity phenotypes suggests a reassessment of the influence of adiponectin in these pathways. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Practical difficulties in the diagnosis of transient non-ketotic hyperglycinaemia.

PubMed

Lang, T F; Parr, J R; Matthews, E E; Gray, R G F; Bonham, J R; Kay, J D S

2008-02-01

Making a diagnosis of transient non-ketotic hyperglycinaemia (tNKH) can be difficult. We report an infant who presented in the neonatal period with symptoms of NKH. Metabolic studies performed on day 2 of life showed raised cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma glycine, and a CSF:plasma glycine ratio consistent with NKH; however, a liver biopsy performed on day 5 revealed normal liver glycine cleavage system activity. Subsequently, the child's clinical condition improved in the absence of any therapeutic medication. Clinical assessment and developmental follow-up at 5 months, 1 year, and 2 years were age-appropriate. Guidance for the investigation and management of future suspected cases of tNKH is discussed.

Plasma physics and environmental perturbation laboratory. [magnetospheric experiments from space shuttle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vogl, J. L.

1973-01-01

Current work aimed at identifying the active magnetospheric experiments that can be performed from the Space Shuttle, and designing a laboratory to carry out these experiments is described. The laboratory, known as the PPEPL (Plasma Physics and Environmental Perturbation Laboratory) consists of 35-ft pallet of instruments connected to a 25-ft pressurized control module. The systems deployed from the pallet are two 50-m booms, two subsatellites, a high-power transmitter, a multipurpose accelerator, a set of deployable canisters, and a gimbaled instrument platform. Missions are planned to last seven days, during which two scientists will carry out experiments from within the pressurized module. The type of experiments to be performed are outlined.

Plasma myelin basic protein assay using Gilford enzyme immunoassay cuvettes.

PubMed

Groome, N P

1981-10-01

The assay of myelin basic protein in body fluids has potential clinical importance as a routine indicator of demyelination. Preliminary details of a competitive enzyme immunoassay for this protein have previously been published by the author (Groome, N. P. (1980) J. Neurochem. 35, 1409-1417). The present paper now describes the adaptation of this assay for use on human plasma and various aspects of routine data processing. A commercially available cuvette system was found to have advantages over microtitre plates but required a permuted arrangement of sample replicates for consistent results. For dose interpolation, the standard curve could be fitted to a three parameter non-linear equation by regression analysis or linearised by the logit/log transformation.

Thomson Parabola Spectrometer: a powerful tool for on-line plasma analysis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Altana, C.; Muoio, A.; Schillaci, F.

2015-07-01

In this paper we report on a new powerful and self-consistent analysis technique aimed in order to get information online on laser generated plasmas. Performance of the method has been carried out during two set of measurement by using two different lasers. The first set of data has been collected at LENS Laboratory of INFN-LNS in Catania by using a laser which produces pulses having energies of 2 J and temporal duration of 6 ns, while the second set of data has been collected at ILIL of INO-CNR in Pisa with a laser system capable of delivering pulses of upmore » to 10 mJ in 40 fs. (authors)« less

Truncated Painlevé expansion: Tanh-traveling wave solutions and reduction of sine-Poisson equation to a quadrature for stationary and nonstationary three-dimensional collisionless cold plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ibrahim, R. S.; El-Kalaawy, O. H.

2006-10-01

The relativistic nonlinear self-consistent equations for a collisionless cold plasma with stationary ions [R. S. Ibrahim, IMA J. Appl. Math. 68, 523 (2003)] are extended to 3 and 3+1 dimensions. The resulting system of equations is reduced to the sine-Poisson equation. The truncated Painlevé expansion and reduction of the partial differential equation to a quadrature problem (RQ method) are described and applied to obtain the traveling wave solutions of the sine-Poisson equation for stationary and nonstationary equations in 3 and 3+1 dimensions describing the charge-density equilibrium configuration model.

Korteweg-deVries-Burgers (KdVB) equation in a five component cometary plasma with kappa described electrons and ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Michael, Manesh; Willington, Neethu T.; Jayakumar, Neethu; Sebastian, Sijo; Sreekala, G.; Venugopal, Chandu

2016-12-01

We investigate the existence of ion-acoustic shock waves in a five component cometary plasma consisting of positively and negatively charged oxygen ions, kappa described hydrogen ions, hot solar electrons, and slightly colder cometary electrons. The KdVB equation has been derived for the system, and its solution plotted for different kappa values, oxygen ion densities, as well as the temperature ratios for the ions. It is found that the amplitude of the shock wave decreases with increasing kappa values. The strength of the shock profile decreases with increasing temperatures of the positively charged oxygen ions and densities of negatively charged oxygen ions.

A precise measurement of the magnetic field in the corona of the black hole binary V404 Cygni

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dallilar, Yigit; Eikenberry, Stephen S.; Garner, Alan; Stelter, Richard D.; Gottlieb, Amy; Gandhi, Poshak; Casella, Piergiorgio; Dhillon, Vik S.; Marsh, Tom R.; Littlefair, Stuart P.; Hardy, Liam; Fender, Rob; Mooley, Kunal; Walton, Dominic J.; Fuerst, Felix; Bachetti, Matteo; Castro-Tirado, A. J.; Charcos, Miguel; Edwards, Michelle L.; Lasso-Cabrera, Nestor M.; Marin-Franch, Antonio; Raines, S. Nicholas; Ackley, Kendall; Bennett, John G.; Cenarro, A. Javier; Chinn, Brian; Donoso, H. Veronica; Frommeyer, Raymond; Hanna, Kevin; Herlevich, Michael D.; Julian, Jeff; Miller, Paola; Mullin, Scott; Murphey, Charles H.; Packham, Chris; Varosi, Frank; Vega, Claudia; Warner, Craig; Ramaprakash, A. N.; Burse, Mahesh; Punnadi, Sujit; Chordia, Pravin; Gerarts, Andreas; de Paz Martín, Héctor; Calero, María Martín; Scarpa, Riccardo; Acosta, Sergio Fernandez; Hernández Sánchez, William Miguel; Siegel, Benjamin; Pérez, Francisco Francisco; Viera Martín, Himar D.; Rodríguez Losada, José A.; Nuñez, Agustín; Tejero, Álvaro; Martín González, Carlos E.; Rodríguez, César Cabrera; Molgó, Jordi; Rodriguez, J. Esteban; Cáceres, J. Israel Fernández; Rodríguez García, Luis A.; Lopez, Manuel Huertas; Dominguez, Raul; Gaggstatter, Tim; Lavers, Antonio Cabrera; Geier, Stefan; Pessev, Peter; Sarajedini, Ata

2017-12-01

The binary system V404 Cygni consists of a red giant star orbiting a black hole. In 2015, a surge of accretion by the black hole caused the surrounding plasma to brighten suddenly for the first time since 1989, briefly becoming the brightest x-ray source in the sky. Dallilar et al. combined observations from radio, infrared, optical, and x-ray telescopes taken during the outburst. They compared how fast the flux decayed at each wavelength, which allowed them to constrain the size of the emitting region, determine that the plasma within it cooled through synchrotron radiation, and measure the magnetic field around the black hole.

Nonlinear analysis of a relativistic beam-plasma cyclotron instability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sprangle, P.; Vlahos, L.

1986-01-01

A self-consistent set of nonlinear and relativistic wave-particle equations are derived for a magnetized beam-plasma system interacting with electromagnetic cyclotron waves. In particular, the high-frequency cyclotron mode interacting with a streaming and gyrating electron beam within a background plasma is considered in some detail. This interaction mode may possibly find application as a high-power source of coherent short-wavelength radiation for laboratory devices. The background plasma, although passive, plays a central role in this mechanism by modifying the dielectric properties in which the magnetized electron beam propagates. For a particular choice of the transverse beam velocity (i.e., the speed of light divided by the relativistic mass factor), the interaction frequency equals the nonrelativistic electron cyclotron frequency times the relativistic mass factor. For this choice of transverse beam velocity the detrimental effects of a longitudinal beam velocity spread is virtually removed. Power conversion efficiencies in excess of 18 percent are both analytically calculated and obtained through numerical simulations of the wave-particle equations. The quality of the electron beam, degree of energy and pitch angle spread, and its effect on the beam-plasma cyclotron instability is studied.

First observation of the depolarization of Thomson scattering radiation by a fusion plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giudicotti, L.; Kempenaars, M.; McCormack, O.; Flanagan, J.; Pasqualotto, R.; contributors, JET

2018-04-01

We report the first experimental observation of the depolarization of the Thomson scattering (TS) radiation, a relativistic effect expected to occur in very high {{T}e} plasmas and never observed so far in a fusion machine. A set of unused optical fibers in the collection optics of the high resolution Thomson scattering system of JET has been used to detect the depolarized TS radiation during a JET campaign with {{T}e}≤slant 8 keV . A linear polarizer with the axis perpendicular to the direction of the incident E-field was placed in front of a fiber optic pair observing a region close to the plasma core, while another fiber pair with no polariser simultaneously observed an adjacent plasma region. The measured intensity ratio was found to be consistent with the theory, taking into account sensitivity coefficients of the two measurement channels determined with post-experiment calibrations and Raman scattering. This depolarization effect is at the basis of polarimetric TS, a different and complementary method for the analysis of TS spectra that can provide significant advantages for {{T}e} measurements in very hot plasmas such as in ITER ≤ft({{T}e}≤slant 40 keV \\right) .

Kinetic damping in the spectra of the spherical impedance probe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oberrath, J.

2018-04-01

The impedance probe is a measurement device to measure plasma parameters, such as electron density. It consists of one electrode connected to a network analyzer via a coaxial cable and is immersed into a plasma. A bias potential superposed with an alternating potential is applied to the electrode and the response of the plasma is measured. Its dynamical interaction with the plasma in an electrostatic, kinetic description can be modeled in an abstract notation based on functional analytic methods. These methods provide the opportunity to derive a general solution, which is given as the response function of the probe–plasma system. It is defined by the matrix elements of the resolvent of an appropriate dynamical operator. Based on the general solution, a residual damping for vanishing pressure can be predicted and can only be explained by kinetic effects. In this paper, an explicit response function of the spherical impedance probe is derived. Therefore, the resolvent is determined by its algebraic representation based on an expansion in orthogonal basis functions. This allows one to compute an approximated response function and its corresponding spectra. These spectra show additional damping due to kinetic effects and are in good agreement with former kinetically determined spectra.

Particle acceleration during magnetic reconnection in a low-beta pair plasma

DOE PAGES

Guo, Fan; Li, Hui; Daughton, William; ...

2016-04-29

Plasma energization through magnetic reconnection in the magnetically dominated regime featured by low plasma beta (β=8πnkT0/B 2 <<1) and/or high magnetization (σ=B 2/(4πnmc 2)>>1) is important in a series of astrophysical systems such as solar flares, pulsar wind nebula, and relativistic jets from black holes. In this paper, we review the recent progress on kinetic simulations of this process and further discuss plasma dynamics and particle acceleration in a low-β reconnection layer that consists of electron–positron pairs. We also examine the effect of different initial thermal temperatures on the resulting particle energy spectra. While earlier papers have concluded that themore » spectral index is smaller for higher σ, our simulations show that the spectral index approaches p = 1 for sufficiently low plasma β, even if σ~1. Since this predicted spectral index in the idealized limit is harder than most observations, it is important to consider effects that can lead to a softer spectrum such as open boundary simulations. Here, we also remark that the effects of three-dimensional reconnection physics and turbulence on reconnection need to be addressed in the future.« less

Investigation of self-organized criticality behavior of edge plasma transport in Torus experiment of technology oriented research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Y. H.; Jachmich, S.; Weynants, R. R.; Huber, A.; Unterberg, B.; Samm, U.

2004-12-01

The self-organized criticality (SOC) behavior of the edge plasma transport has been studied using fluctuation data measured in the plasma edge and the scrape-off layer of Torus experiment of technology oriented research tokamak [H. Soltwisch et al., Plasma Phys. Controlled Fusion 26, 23 (1984)] before and during the edge biasing experiments. In the "nonshear" discharge phase before biasing, the fluctuation data clearly show some of the characteristics associated with SOC, including similar frequency spectra to those obtained in "sandpile" transport and other SOC systems, slowly decaying long tails in the autocorrelation function, values of Hurst parameters larger than 0.5 at all the detected radial locations, and a radial propagation of avalanchelike events in the edge plasma area. During the edge biasing phase, with the generation of an edge radial electric field Er and thus of Er×B flow shear, contrary to theoretical expectation, the Hurst parameters are substantially enhanced in the negative flow shear region and in the scrape-off layer as well. Concomitantly, it is found that the local turbulence is well decorrelated by the Er×B velocity shear, consistent with theoretical predictions.

Effect of magnetic field on the phase transition in dusty plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jaiswal, Surabhi; Thomas, Edward; Mukherjee, Rupak

2017-10-01

The formation of self-consistent crystalline structure is a well-known phenomenon in complex plasmas. In most experiments the pressure and rf power are the main controlling parameter in determining the phase of the system. We have studied the effect of externally applied magnetic field on the configuration of plasma crystals, suspended in the sheath of a radio-frequency discharge using the Magnetized Dusty Plasma Experiment (MDPX) device. Experiments are performed at a fixed pressure and rf power where a crystalline structure formed within the confining ring, but ramping the magnetic field up to 1.28 T. We report on the breakdown of the crystalline structure with increasing magnetic field. The magnetic field affects the dynamics of the plasma particles and first leads to a rotation of the crystal. At higher magnetic field, there is a radial variation (shear) in the angular velocity of the moving particles which we believe leads to the melting of the crystal. This melting is confirmed by evaluating the variation of the pair correlation function as a function of magnetic field. This work was supported by the US Dept. of Energy, DE - SC0010485.

Particle acceleration during magnetic reconnection in a low-beta pair plasma

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Guo, Fan; Li, Hui; Daughton, William

Plasma energization through magnetic reconnection in the magnetically dominated regime featured by low plasma beta (β=8πnkT0/B 2 <<1) and/or high magnetization (σ=B 2/(4πnmc 2)>>1) is important in a series of astrophysical systems such as solar flares, pulsar wind nebula, and relativistic jets from black holes. In this paper, we review the recent progress on kinetic simulations of this process and further discuss plasma dynamics and particle acceleration in a low-β reconnection layer that consists of electron–positron pairs. We also examine the effect of different initial thermal temperatures on the resulting particle energy spectra. While earlier papers have concluded that themore » spectral index is smaller for higher σ, our simulations show that the spectral index approaches p = 1 for sufficiently low plasma β, even if σ~1. Since this predicted spectral index in the idealized limit is harder than most observations, it is important to consider effects that can lead to a softer spectrum such as open boundary simulations. Here, we also remark that the effects of three-dimensional reconnection physics and turbulence on reconnection need to be addressed in the future.« less

Transport in a field aligned magnetized plasma/neutral gas boundary: the end of the plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cooper, Christopher Michael

The objective of this dissertation is to characterize the physics of a boundary layer between a magnetized plasma and a neutral gas along the direction of a confining magnetic field. A series of experiments are performed at the Enormous Toroidal Plasma Device (ETPD) at UCLA to study this field aligned Neutral Boundary Layer (NBL) at the end of the plasma. A Lanthanum Hexaboride (LaB6) cathode and semi-transparent anode creates a magnetized, current-free helium plasma which terminates on a neutral helium gas without touching any walls. Probes are inserted into the plasma to measure the basic plasma parameters and study the transport in the NBL. The experiment is performed in the weakly ionized limit where the plasma density (ne) is much less than the neutral density (nn) such that ne/nn < 5%. The NBL is characterized by a field-aligned electric field which begins at the point where the plasma pressure equilibrates with the neutral gas pressure. Beyond the pressure equilibration point the electrons and ions lose their momentum by collisions with the neutral gas and come to rest. An electric field is established self consistently to maintain a current-free termination through equilibration of the different species' stopping rates in the neutral gas. The electric field resembles a collisional quasineutral sheath with a length 10 times the electron-ion collision length, 100 times the neutral collision length, and 10,000 times the Debye length. Collisions with the neutral gas dominate the losses in the system. The measured plasma density loss rates are above the classical cross-field current-free ambipolar rate, but below the anomalous Bohm diffusion rate. The electron temperature is below the ionization threshold of the gas, 2.2 eV in helium. The ions are in thermal equilibrium with the neutral gas. A generalized theory of plasma termination in a Neutral Boundary Layer is applied to this case using a two-fluid, current-free, weakly ionized transport model. The electron and ion momentum equations along the field are combined in a generalized Ohm's law which predicts the axial electric field required to maintain a current-free termination. The pressure balance criteria for termination and the predicted electric field are confirmed over a scaling of plasma parameters. The experiment and the model are relevant for studying NBLs in other systems, such as the atmospheric termination of the aurora or detached gaseous divertors. A steady state modified ambipolar system is measured in the ETPD NBL. The drift speeds associated with these currents are a small fraction of the plasma flow speeds and the problem is treated as a perturbation to the termination model. The current-free condition on the model is relaxed to explain the presence of the divergence free current.

Self-consistent simulation of high-frequency driven plasma sheaths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shihab, Mohammed; Eremin, Denis; Mussenbrock, Thomas; Brinkmann, Ralf

2011-10-01

Low pressure capacitively coupled plasmas are widely used in plasma processing and microelectronics industry. Understanding the dynamics of the boundary sheath is a fundamental problem. It controls the energy and angular distribution of ions bombarding the electrode, which in turn affects the surface reaction rate and the profile of microscopic features. In this contribution, we investigate the dynamics of plasma boundary sheaths by means of a kinetic self-consistent model, which is able to resolve the ion dynamics. Asymmetric sheath dynamics is observed for the intermediate RF regime, i.e., in the regime where the ion plasma frequency is equal to the driving frequency. The ion inertia causes an additional phase difference between the expansion and the contraction phase of the plasma sheath and an asymmetry for the ion energy distribution bimodal shape. A comparison with experimental results and particle in cell simulations is performed. Low pressure capacitively coupled plasmas are widely used in plasma processing and microelectronics industry. Understanding the dynamics of the boundary sheath is a fundamental problem. It controls the energy and angular distribution of ions bombarding the electrode, which in turn affects the surface reaction rate and the profile of microscopic features. In this contribution, we investigate the dynamics of plasma boundary sheaths by means of a kinetic self-consistent model, which is able to resolve the ion dynamics. Asymmetric sheath dynamics is observed for the intermediate RF regime, i.e., in the regime where the ion plasma frequency is equal to the driving frequency. The ion inertia causes an additional phase difference between the expansion and the contraction phase of the plasma sheath and an asymmetry for the ion energy distribution bimodal shape. A comparison with experimental results and particle in cell simulations is performed. The financial support from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research within the frame of the project ``Plasma-Technology-Grid'' and the support of the DFG via the collaborative research center SFB-TR87 is gratefully acknowledged.

Modeling the Evolution of the System IV Period of the Io Torus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coffin, D. A.; Delamere, P. A.

2017-12-01

The response of the Io plasma torus to superthermal electron modulation and volcanic eruptions is studied using a physical chemistry and radial/azimuthal transport model (Copper et al., 2016). The model includes radial and azimuthal transport, latitudinally-averaged physical chemistry, and prescribed System III superthermal electron modulation following Steffl et al., [2008]. Volcanic eruptions are modelled as a temporal Gaussian enhancement (e.g., 2x) of the neutral source rate and hot electron fraction (e.g., <1%). However, we adopt an alternative approach for the Steffl et al., [2008] System IV electron modulation. Radially-dependent subcorotation is prescribed, consistent with observations [Brown, 1994; Thomas et al., 2001], as well as a hot electron modulation proportional to the radial flux tube content gradient. Coupling hot electron modulation to radial transport and subcorotation, we seek to analyze magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling. We find that the model produces a radially-independent periodicity and that eruptions can alter the modeled period, consistent with multi-epoch observations of a variable System IV. This periodicity remains consistent with the prescribed subcorotation period at L = 6.3.

Superthermal Electron Energy Interchange in the Ionosphere-Plasmasphere System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Khazanov, G. V.; Glocer, A.; Liemohn, M. W.; Himwich, E. W.

2013-01-01

A self-consistent approach to superthermal electron (SE) transport along closed field lines in the inner magnetosphere is used to examine the concept of plasmaspheric transparency, magnetospheric trapping, and SE energy deposition to the thermal electrons. The dayside SE population is generated both by photoionization of the thermosphere and by secondary electron production from impact ionization when the photoelectrons collide with upper atmospheric neutral particles. It is shown that a self-consistent approach to this problem produces significant changes, in comparison with other approaches, in the SE energy exchange between the plasmasphere and the two magnetically conjugate ionospheres. In particular, plasmaspheric transparency can vary by a factor of two depending on the thermal plasma content along the field line and the illumination conditions of the two conjugate ionospheres. This variation in plasmaspheric transparency as a function of thermal plasma and ionospheric conditions increases with L-shell, as the field line gets longer and the equatorial pitch angle extent of the fly-through zone gets smaller. The inference drawn from these results is that such a self-consistent approach to SE transport and energy deposition should be included to ensure robustness in ionosphere-magnetosphere modeling networks.

Control system for 5 MW neutral beam ion source for SST1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patel, G. B.; Onali, Raja; Sharma, Vivek; Suresh, S.; Tripathi, V.; Bandyopadhyay, M.; Singh, N. P.; Thakkar, Dipal; Gupta, L. N.; Singh, M. J.; Patel, P. J.; Chakraborty, A. K.; Baruah, U. K.; Mattoo, S. K.

2006-01-01

This article describes the control system for a 5MW ion source of the NBI (neutral beam injector) for steady-state superconducting tokamak-1 (SST-1). The system uses both hardware and software solutions. It comprises a DAS (data acquisition system) and a control system. The DAS is used to read the voltage and current signals from eight filament heater power supplies and 24 discharge power supplies. The control system is used to adjust the filament heater current in order to achieve an effective control on the discharge current in the plasma box. The system consists of a VME (Verse Module Eurocard) system and C application program running on a VxWorks™ real-time operating system. A PID (proportional, integral, and differential) algorithm is used to control the filament heater current. Experiments using this system have shown that the discharge current can be controlled within 1% accuracy for a PID loop time of 20ms. Response of the control system to the pressure variation of the gas in the chamber has also been studied and compared with the results obtained from those of an uncontrolled system. The present approach increases the flexibility of the control system. It not only eases the control of the plasma but also allows an easy changeover to various operation scenarios.

Development of a real-time simulation tool towards self-consistent scenario of plasma start-up and sustainment on helical fusion reactor FFHR-d1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goto, T.; Miyazawa, J.; Sakamoto, R.; Suzuki, Y.; Suzuki, C.; Seki, R.; Satake, S.; Huang, B.; Nunami, M.; Yokoyama, M.; Sagara, A.; the FFHR Design Group

2017-06-01

This study closely investigates the plasma operation scenario for the LHD-type helical reactor FFHR-d1 in view of MHD equilibrium/stability, neoclassical transport, alpha energy loss and impurity effect. In 1D calculation code that reproduces the typical pellet discharges in LHD experiments, we identify a self-consistent solution of the plasma operation scenario which achieves steady-state sustainment of the burning plasma with a fusion gain of Q ~ 10 was found within the operation regime that has been already confirmed in LHD experiment. The developed calculation tool enables systematic analysis of the operation regime in real time.

Development of FullWave : Hot Plasma RF Simulation Tool

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Svidzinski, Vladimir; Kim, Jin-Soo; Spencer, J. Andrew; Zhao, Liangji; Galkin, Sergei

2017-10-01

Full wave simulation tool, modeling RF fields in hot inhomogeneous magnetized plasma, is being developed. The wave equations with linearized hot plasma dielectric response are solved in configuration space on adaptive cloud of computational points. The nonlocal hot plasma dielectric response is formulated in configuration space without limiting approximations by calculating the plasma conductivity kernel based on the solution of the linearized Vlasov equation in inhomogeneous magnetic field. This approach allows for better resolution of plasma resonances, antenna structures and complex boundaries. The formulation of FullWave and preliminary results will be presented: construction of the finite differences for approximation of derivatives on adaptive cloud of computational points; model and results of nonlocal conductivity kernel calculation in tokamak geometry; results of 2-D full wave simulations in the cold plasma model in tokamak geometry using the formulated approach; results of self-consistent calculations of hot plasma dielectric response and RF fields in 1-D mirror magnetic field; preliminary results of self-consistent simulations of 2-D RF fields in tokamak using the calculated hot plasma conductivity kernel; development of iterative solver for wave equations. Work is supported by the U.S. DOE SBIR program.

Dust generation at interaction of plasma jet with surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ticos, Catalin; Toader, Dorina; Banu, Nicoleta; Scurtu, Adrian; Oane, Mihai

2013-10-01

Coatings of W and C with widths of a few microns will be exposed to plasma jet for studying the erosion of the surface and detachment of micron size dust particles. A coaxial plasma gun has been built inside a vacuum chamber for producing supersonic plasma jets. Its design is based on a 50 kJ coaxial plasma gun which has been successfully used for accelerating hypervelocity dust. Initial shots were carried out for a capacitor bank with C = 12 μF and charged up to 2 kV. Currents of tens of amps were measured with a Rogowsky coil and plasma flow speeds of 4 km/s were inferred from high-speed images of jet propagation. An upgrade consisting in adding capacitors in parallel will be performed in order to increase the energy up to 2 kJ. A coil will be installed at the gun muzzle to compress the plasma flow and increase the energy density of the jet on the sample surface. A CCD camera with a maximum recording speed of 100 k fps and a maximum resolution of 1024 × 1024 pixels was set for image acquisition of the plasma and dust. A laser system used to illuminate the ejected dust from the surface includes a laser diode emitting at 650 nm with a beam power of 25 mW. The authors acknowledge support from EURATOM WP13-IPH-A03-P2-02-BS22.

Aspect sensitive E- and F-region SPEAR-enhanced incoherent backscatter observed by the EISCAT Svalbard radar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhillon, R. S.; Robinson, T. R.; Yeoman, T. K.

2009-01-01

Previous studies of the aspect sensitivity of heater-enhanced incoherent radar backscatter in the high-latitude ionosphere have demonstrated the directional dependence of incoherent scatter signatures corresponding to artificially excited electrostatic waves, together with consistent field-aligned signatures that may be related to the presence of artificial field-aligned irregularities. These earlier high-latitude results have provided motivation for repeating the investigation in the different geophysical conditions that obtain in the polar cap ionosphere. The Space Plasma Exploration by Active Radar (SPEAR) facility is located within the polar cap and has provided observations of RF-enhanced ion and plasma line spectra recorded by the EISCAT Svalbard UHF incoherent scatter radar system (ESR), which is collocated with SPEAR. In this paper, we present observations of aspect sensitive E- and F-region SPEAR-induced ion and plasma line enhancements that indicate excitation of both the purely growing mode and the parametric decay instability, together with sporadic E-layer results that may indicate the presence of cavitons. We note consistent enhancements from field-aligned, vertical and also from 5° south of field-aligned. We attribute the prevalence of vertical scatter to the importance of the Spitze region, and of that from field-aligned to possible wave/irregularity coupling.

Contamination Study of Micro Pulsed Plasma Thruster

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-03-01

missions ranging from nano -satellites to large spacecrafts requiring precision placement1. As an unfortunate side effect, the exhaust plume induces...the electrodes9. The electrodes have often been arranged coaxially . The system consists of electrodes, capacitors as energy storage units, a spark...increasing interest in the so-called micro- and nano -satellites, which are highly maneuverable and have lower cost. These small satellites are aimed to

Development of low modulus material for use in ceramic gas path seal applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eaton, H. E.; Novak, R. C.

1981-01-01

Three candidate materials were examined: Brunsbond (R) Pad; plasma sprayed porous NiCrAlY; and plasma sprayed low modulus microcracked zirconia. Evaluation consisted of mechanical, thermophysical, and oxidation resistance testing along with optical microscopy and a feasibility demonstration of attaching the material to a suitable substrate. The goals of the program were the following: feasibility of fastening or depositing the low modulus system onto a broad range of substrate alloys; feasibility of depositing or forming the low modulus system to a thickness of 0.19 cm to 0.38 cm; potential to attain a modulus of elasticity in the range of 3.4 to 6.9 GPa (0.5 to 1.0 MSI), and an ultimate strength of 17.2 MPa (2.5 ksi); suitable thermal conductivity; and static oxidation life of at least 1000 hours at 1311 K. The results of the program indicate that all three systems offer attractive properties as a strain isolator material.

Plasma focus sources: Supplement to the Neutron Resonance Radiography Workshop proceedings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nardi, Vittorio; Brzosko, Jan

1989-01-01

Since their discovery, plasma focus discharges have been recognized as very intense pulsed sources of deuterium-deuterium (D-D) or deuterium-tritium (D-T) fusion-reaction neutrons, with outstanding capabilities. Specifically, the total neutron emission/shot, Y (sub n), and the rate of neutron emission, Y (sub n), of an optimized plasma focus (PF) are higher than the corresponding quantities observed in any other type of pinched discharge at the same level of powering energy W (sub 0). Recent developments have led to the concept and experimental demonstration of an Advanced Plasma Focus System (APF) that consists of a Mather-geometry plasma focus in which field distortion elements (FDEs) are inserted in the inter-electrode gap for increasing the neutron yield/shot, Y (sub n). The FDE-induced redistribution of the plasma current increases Y (sub n) by a factor approximate to or greater than 5 to 10 above the value obtained without FDEs under otherwise identical conditions of operation of the plasma focus. For example, an APF that is fed by a fast capacitor bank with an energy, W (sub 0) = 6 kJ, and voltage, V (sub 0) = 16.5 kV provides Y (sub n) congruent to 4 x 10 to the 9th D-D neutrons/shot (pure D2 filling) and Y (sub n) = 4 x 10 to the 11th D-T neutrons/shot (filling is 50 pct deuterium and 50 pct tritium). The FDE-induced increase of Y (sub n) for fixed values of (W sub 0, V sub 0), the observed scaling law Y (sub n) proportional to W (sub 0) squared for optimized plasma focus systems, and our experience with neutron scattering in bulk objects lead us to the conclusion that we can use an APF as a source of high-intensity neutron pulses (10 to the 14th n/pulse) in the field off neutron radiography (surface and bulk) with a nanosecond or millisecond time resolution.

Study and Developement of Compact Permanent Magnet Hall Thrusters for Future Brazillian Space Missions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferreira, Jose Leonardo; Martins, Alexandre; Cerda, Rodrigo

2016-07-01

The Plasma Physics Laboratory of UnB has been developing a Permanent Magnet Hall Thruster (PHALL) for the UNIESPAÇO program, part of the Space Activities Program conducted by AEB- The Brazillian Space Agency since 2004. Electric propulsion is now a very successful method for primary and secondary propulsion systems. It is essential for several existing geostationary satellite station keeping systems and for deep space long duration solar system missions, where the thrusting system can be designed to be used on orbit transfer maneuvering and/or for satellite attitude control in long term space missions. Applications of compact versions of Permanent Magnet Hall Thrusters on future brazillian space missions are needed and foreseen for the coming years beginning with the use of small divergent cusp field (DCFH) Hall Thrusters type on CUBESATS ( 5-10 kg , 1W-5 W power consumption) and on Micro satellites ( 50- 100 kg, 10W-100W). Brazillian (AEB) and German (DLR) space agencies and research institutions are developing a new rocket dedicated to small satellite launching. The VLM- Microsatellite Launch Vehicle. The development of PHALL compact versions can also be important for the recently proposed SBG system, a future brazillian geostationary satellite system that is already been developed by an international consortium of brazillian and foreign space industries. The exploration of small bodies in the Solar System with spacecraft has been done by several countries with increasing frequency in these past twenty five years. Since their historical beginning on the sixties, most of the Solar System missions were based on gravity assisted trajectories very much depended on planet orbit positioning relative to the Sun and the Earth. The consequence was always the narrowing of the mission launch window. Today, the need for Solar System icy bodies in situ exploration requires less dependence on gravity assisted maneuvering and new high precision low thrust navigation methods. The main difficulty to reach these minor bodies is related to their specific orbits with high eccentricity and inclination. A good example is the case for sample return missions to NEOs-Near Earth Objects. They are small bodies consisting of primitive left over building blocks of the Solar System formation processes. These missions can be accomplished by using low thrust trajectories with spacecrafts propelled by plasma thrusters with total thrust below 0.5 N, and a specific impulse around2500 s. In this work, we will show the brazilian contribution to the development of a compact electrical propulsion engine named PHALL III, designed with DCFH and foreseen to be used in future cubesats microsatellites but with possible applications in geostationary attitude control systems and on low thrust trajectory missions to the Near Earth Asteroids region. We will show a particular new permanent magnet field designed for PHALL III . Computer based simulation codes such as VSIM are also used on the design of this new proposed cuped magnet field Hall Thruster. Based on the first results wee believed PHALL III will also allow a good spacecraft performance of long duration space missions for small size spacecrafts with limited low electric source power consumption. The PHALL III plasma source characterization is presented together with the ejected plasma plume ion current intensity, ion energy and plasma flow velocity parameters measured by an integrated Plasma Diagnostic Bench (BID). Based on plasma source and plume ejected parameters a merit figure of PHALL III is constructed and compared to computer calculated low thrust transfer requirements. From these results it is goig to be possible to analyse the potential use of PHALL III on future brazillian space missions , its working parameters are compared with parameters of existing space tested plasma thrusters already used on moon , deep space missions and also on satellite geostationary positioning using low thrust orbit maneuvering. A joint brazillian space mission on the solar system has also been consider for the coming years. ASTER project is a mission to a near earth asteroid that is planned to be carried on using Hall thrusters. The PHALL project consists on plasma source design, construction and characterization of plasma propulsion engines based on Hall current generated inside a cylindrical channel with an axial electric field produced by a ring anode and a radial magnetic field produced by permanent magnets. One of the main advantage of PHALL thruster is the production of a steady state magnetic field by permanent magnets providing electron trapping and Hall current generation within a significant decrease on the electric energy supply. This advantage turns PHALL thruster into a specially good option when it comes to space usage for longer and deep space missions, where solar panels and electric energy storage on batteries is a limiting factor. This work also describes the Hall Plasma Source construction and characteristics and the plasma diagnostics system used on BID, an Integrated Plasma Diagnostic System. This system contains Langmuir probes that are used for plasma density and temperature measurements. Faraday Cup, Ion probes and Spectrograph (Andor SR-750-B2, within 435nm to 700nm) line broadening measurements are used to measure ion temperature and transport from Hall current channel to the ejected plasma plume. In order to control argon fuel purity a mass spectrometer is also planned to be used. Thrust and Specific Impulse measurements will also be shown. Important to notice relevant plasma physics phenomena investigation that may significantly interfere on PHALL performance. It is the occurrence of instabilities that can happen inside and outside of the Hall current channel. In order to better understand the turbulence and plasma oscillations that occur during the thruster operation, we propose and test a wide frequency range instability detection system based on a RF detection probe connected to a Spectrum Analyzer (Agilent CSA 100 khz-6 Ghz). Instabilities on PHALL discharge current is monitoring using a real time data acquisition system, based on a PCI-DAS 1602/12 board containing 16 analogic inputs, 24 digital channels operating within a 330 khz sampling rate. Near future developments will include PHALL lifetime test system assembly in a vacuum system with bigger volume and pumping speed capability. A direct thrust and specific impulse measurement instrumentation it has also been considered. Ferreira J. L.; Martins A. A.; Cerda R. M. ; Schellin A. B.; Alves L.S.; Costa E.G.; Coelho H.O.; Serra A.C.B.and Nathan F. in Permanent magnet Hall thruster development for future Brazillian space missions . Computer Apllied Math. Springer SBMAC ,December 2015.

Predictive Modeling in Plasma Reactor and Process Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hash, D. B.; Bose, D.; Govindan, T. R.; Meyyappan, M.; Arnold, James O. (Technical Monitor)

1997-01-01

Research continues toward the improvement and increased understanding of high-density plasma tools. Such reactor systems are lauded for their independent control of ion flux and energy enabling high etch rates with low ion damage and for their improved ion velocity anisotropy resulting from thin collisionless sheaths and low neutral pressures. Still, with the transition to 300 mm processing, achieving etch uniformity and high etch rates concurrently may be a formidable task for such large diameter wafers for which computational modeling can play an important role in successful reactor and process design. The inductively coupled plasma (ICP) reactor is the focus of the present investigation. The present work attempts to understand the fundamental physical phenomena of such systems through computational modeling. Simulations will be presented using both computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques and the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method for argon and chlorine discharges. ICP reactors generally operate at pressures on the order of 1 to 10 mTorr. At such low pressures, rarefaction can be significant to the degree that the constitutive relations used in typical CFD techniques become invalid and a particle simulation must be employed. This work will assess the extent to which CFD can be applied and evaluate the degree to which accuracy is lost in prediction of the phenomenon of interest; i.e., etch rate. If the CFD approach is found reasonably accurate and bench-marked with DSMC and experimental results, it has the potential to serve as a design tool due to the rapid time relative to DSMC. The continuum CFD simulation solves the governing equations for plasma flow using a finite difference technique with an implicit Gauss-Seidel Line Relaxation method for time marching toward a converged solution. The equation set consists of mass conservation for each species, separate energy equations for the electrons and heavy species, and momentum equations for the gas. The sheath is modeled by imposing the Bohm velocity to the ions near the walls. The DSMC method simulates each constituent of the gas as a separate species which would be analogous in CFD to employing separate species mass, momentum, and energy equations. All particles including electrons are moved and allowed to collide with one another with the stipulation that the electrons remain tied to the ions consistent with the concept of ambipolar diffusion. The velocities of the electrons are allowed to be modified during collisions and are not confined to a Maxwellian distribution. These benefits come at a price in terms of computational time and memory. The DSMC and CFD are made as consistent as possible by using similar chemistry and power deposition models. Although the comparison of CFD and DSMC is interesting, the main goal of this work is the increased understanding of high-density plasma flowfields that can then direct improvements in both techniques. This work is unique in the level of the physical models employed in both the DSMC and CFD for high-density plasma reactor applications. For example, the electrons are simulated in the present DSMC work which has not been done before for low temperature plasma processing problems. In the CFD approach, for the first time, the charged particle transport (discharge physics) has been self-consistently coupled to the gas flow and heat transfer.

Gender Difference in Bacteria Endotoxin-Induced Inflammatory and Anorexic Responses.

PubMed

Kuo, Shiu-Ming

2016-01-01

Inflammation-related anorexic response has been observed in systemic diseases as well as in localized infection and is an important issue in patient care. We tested the hypothesis that upon the same endotoxin exposure, males have more severe inflammatory responses and thus suffer from more negative effect on appetite. Ten-week old male and female mice were compared in their plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines after a body weight-based i.p. injection of bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide. Male mice consistently showed significantly higher levels of IL6 and TNFα than female mice. The difference was observed starting at 3 hours after the systemic endotoxin exposure. It was independent of the level of endotoxin dosage and of the genotype of the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL10. Interestingly, endotoxin-injected male mice also had significantly higher plasma IL10 levels compared to the female mice. Pre-puberty young mice showed no gender differences in the plasma levels of IL6, TNFα and IL10. Their cytokine levels were mostly between that of the adult males and females. Consistent with the higher inflammatory response in male mice, the endotoxin exposure also led to significantly more appetite loss in male mice at a range of doses in two strains of mice. Saline injection in the absence of endotoxin affected neither the cytokine levels nor the appetite. Although a direct mechanistic link between inflammation parameters and appetite was not addressed here, the results support that male gender could be a risk factor for higher pro-inflammatory cytokines and anorexic response after the endotoxin exposure.

Improvements, upgrades, and plans for Thomson scattering on DIII-D

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carlstrom, T. N.; Du, D.; Glass, F.; Liu, C.; Watkins, M.; McLean, A. G.

2016-10-01

The Thomson scattering diagnostic on DIII-D consists of 3 beam lines that probe vertically, horizontally, and in the divertor region of the tokamak, with 54 spatial locations, edge spatial resolution down to 5 mm, and 10 Nd:YAG lasers. In its 25-year history, the collection lens optics and interference filters degraded and have been replaced, restoring previous performance. In addition, improved calibrations and detector temperature control (+/- 0.1 C) have reduced systematic errors. Cross calibration with the CO2 interferometer and ECE cut-off have improved the density calibration. Improvements to the beam line and lasers have increased the laser energy delivered to the scattering volume in the plasma. Future plans include moving the divertor system to measure regions of high triangularity using in-vessel mirrors to redirect the laser beam; adding a wide angle lens to the horizontal system to view the entire plasma radius near the plasma mid plane; and reversing the direction of the laser beam on the horizontal system to reduce the scattering angle and compressing the spectrum in wavelength space so that higher central Te measurements (<5 KeV) can be made with improved accuracy. Work supported by the US DOE under DE-FC02-04ER54698 and by LLNL under DE-AC52-07NA27344.

Selective depletion of plasma prekallikrein or coagulation factor XII inhibits thrombosis in mice without increased risk of bleeding.

PubMed

Revenko, Alexey S; Gao, Dacao; Crosby, Jeff R; Bhattacharjee, Gourab; Zhao, Chenguang; May, Chris; Gailani, David; Monia, Brett P; MacLeod, A Robert

2011-11-10

Recent studies indicate that the plasma contact system plays an important role in thrombosis, despite being dispensable for hemostasis. For example, mice deficient in coagulation factor XII (fXII) are protected from arterial thrombosis and cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. We demonstrate that selective reduction of prekallikrein (PKK), another member of the contact system, using antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) technology results in an antithrombotic phenotype in mice. The effects of PKK deficiency were compared with those of fXII deficiency produced by specific ASO-mediated reduction of fXII. Mice with reduced PKK had ∼ 3-fold higher plasma levels of fXII, and reduced levels of fXIIa-serpin complexes, consistent with fXII being a substrate for activated PKK in vivo. PKK or fXII deficiency reduced thrombus formation in both arterial and venous thrombosis models, without an apparent effect on hemostasis. The amount of reduction of PKK and fXII required to produce an antithrombotic effect differed between venous and arterial models, suggesting that these factors may regulate thrombus formation by distinct mechanisms. Our results support the concept that fXII and PKK play important and perhaps nonredundant roles in pathogenic thrombus propagation, and highlight a novel, specific and safe pharmaceutical approach to target these contact system proteases.

Selective depletion of plasma prekallikrein or coagulation factor XII inhibits thrombosis in mice without increased risk of bleeding

PubMed Central

Revenko, Alexey S.; Gao, Dacao; Crosby, Jeff R.; Bhattacharjee, Gourab; Zhao, Chenguang; May, Chris; Gailani, David; Monia, Brett P.

2011-01-01

Recent studies indicate that the plasma contact system plays an important role in thrombosis, despite being dispensable for hemostasis. For example, mice deficient in coagulation factor XII (fXII) are protected from arterial thrombosis and cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. We demonstrate that selective reduction of prekallikrein (PKK), another member of the contact system, using antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) technology results in an antithrombotic phenotype in mice. The effects of PKK deficiency were compared with those of fXII deficiency produced by specific ASO-mediated reduction of fXII. Mice with reduced PKK had ∼ 3-fold higher plasma levels of fXII, and reduced levels of fXIIa-serpin complexes, consistent with fXII being a substrate for activated PKK in vivo. PKK or fXII deficiency reduced thrombus formation in both arterial and venous thrombosis models, without an apparent effect on hemostasis. The amount of reduction of PKK and fXII required to produce an antithrombotic effect differed between venous and arterial models, suggesting that these factors may regulate thrombus formation by distinct mechanisms. Our results support the concept that fXII and PKK play important and perhaps nonredundant roles in pathogenic thrombus propagation, and highlight a novel, specific and safe pharmaceutical approach to target these contact system proteases. PMID:21821705

Chaos and simple determinism in reversed field pinch plasmas: Nonlinear analysis of numerical simulation and experimental data

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Watts, Christopher A.

In this dissertation the possibility that chaos and simple determinism are governing the dynamics of reversed field pinch (RFP) plasmas is investigated. To properly assess this possibility, data from both numerical simulations and experiment are analyzed. A large repertoire of nonlinear analysis techniques is used to identify low dimensional chaos in the data. These tools include phase portraits and Poincare sections, correlation dimension, the spectrum of Lyapunov exponents and short term predictability. In addition, nonlinear noise reduction techniques are applied to the experimental data in an attempt to extract any underlying deterministic dynamics. Two model systems are used to simulatemore » the plasma dynamics. These are the DEBS code, which models global RFP dynamics, and the dissipative trapped electron mode (DTEM) model, which models drift wave turbulence. Data from both simulations show strong indications of low dimensional chaos and simple determinism. Experimental date were obtained from the Madison Symmetric Torus RFP and consist of a wide array of both global and local diagnostic signals. None of the signals shows any indication of low dimensional chaos or low simple determinism. Moreover, most of the analysis tools indicate the experimental system is very high dimensional with properties similar to noise. Nonlinear noise reduction is unsuccessful at extracting an underlying deterministic system.« less

Design and performance of vacuum system for high heat flux test facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Swamy Kidambi, Rajamannar; Mokaria, Prakash; Khirwadkar, Samir; Belsare, Sunil; Khan, M. S.; Patel, Tushar; Krishnan, Deepu S.

2017-04-01

High heat flux test facility (HHFTF) at IPR is used for testing thermal performance of plasma facing materials or components. It consists of various subsystems like vacuum system, high power electron beam system, diagnostic and calibration system, data acquisition and control system and high pressure high temperature water circulation system. Vacuum system consists of large D-shaped chamber, target handling system, pumping systems and support structure. The net volume of vacuum chamber is 5 m3 was maintained at the base pressure of the order of 10-6 mbar for operation of electron gun with minimum beam diameter which is achieved with turbo-molecular pump (TMP) and cryo pump. A variable conductance gate valve is used for maintaining required vacuum in the chamber. Initial pumping of the chamber was carried out by using suitable rotary and root pumps. PXI and PLC based faster real time data acquisition and control system is implemented for performing the various operations like remote operation, online vacuum data measurements, display and status indication of all vacuum equipments. This paper describes in detail the design and implementation of various vacuum system for HHFTF.

Probing of high density plasmas using the multi-beam, high power TiSa laser system ARCTURUS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Willi, Oswald; Aktan, Esin; Brauckmann, Stephannie; Aurand, Bastian; Cerchez, Mirela; Prasad, Rajendra; Schroer, Anna Marie

2017-10-01

The understanding of relativistic laser plasma interaction at ultra-high intensities has advanced considerably during the last decade with the availability of multi-beam, high power TiSa laser systems. These laser systems allow pump-probe experiments to be carried out. The ARCTURUS laser at the University of Duesseldorf is ideally suited for various kinds of pump-probe experiments as it consists of two identical, high power beams with energies of 5J in 30 fs and a third beam for optical probing with energy of 30mJ in a 30fs pulse. All three beams are synchronised and have flexible time delays with respect to each other. Several different processes were studied where one of the beams was used as an interaction beam and the second one was incident on a thin solid gold foil to generate a proton beam. For example, thin foil targets were irradiated either with a linear or circular polarized pulse and probed with protons at different times. The expansion of foils for the two cases was clearly different consistent with numerical simulations. In addition, the interaction of gas targets was probed with protons and separately with an optical probe. With both diagnostics the formation of a channel was observed. In the presentation various two beam measurements will be discussed.

Automated standardization technique for an inductively-coupled plasma emission spectrometer

USGS Publications Warehouse

Garbarino, John R.; Taylor, Howard E.

1982-01-01

The manifold assembly subsystem described permits real-time computer-controlled standardization and quality control of a commercial inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer. The manifold assembly consists of a branch-structured glass manifold, a series of microcomputer-controlled solenoid valves, and a reservoir for each standard. Automated standardization involves selective actuation of each solenoid valve that permits a specific mixed standard solution to be pumped to the nebulizer of the spectrometer. Quality control is based on the evaluation of results obtained for a mixed standard containing 17 analytes, that is measured periodically with unknown samples. An inaccurate standard evaluation triggers restandardization of the instrument according to a predetermined protocol. Interaction of the computer-controlled manifold assembly hardware with the spectrometer system is outlined. Evaluation of the automated standardization system with respect to reliability, simplicity, flexibility, and efficiency is compared to the manual procedure. ?? 1982.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Griswold, M. E., E-mail: mgriswold@trialphaenergy.com; Korepanov, S.; Thompson, M. C.

An end loss analyzer system consisting of electrostatic, gridded retarding-potential analyzers and pyroelectric crystal bolometers was developed to characterize the plasma loss along open field lines to the divertors of C-2U. The system measures the current and energy distribution of escaping ions as well as the total power flux to enable calculation of the energy lost per escaping electron/ion pair. Special care was taken in the construction of the analyzer elements so that they can be directly mounted to the divertor electrode. An attenuation plate at the entrance to the gridded retarding-potential analyzer reduces plasma density by a factor ofmore » 60 to prevent space charge limitations inside the device, without sacrificing its angular acceptance of ions. In addition, all of the electronics for the measurement are isolated from ground so that they can float to the bias potential of the electrode, 2 kV below ground.« less

Self-consistent formation of electron $\\kappa$ distribution: 1. Theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoon, Peter H.; Rhee, Tongnyeol; Ryu, Chang-Mo

2006-09-01

Since the early days of plasma physics research suprathermal electrons were observed to be generated during beam-plasma laboratory experiments. Energetic electrons, often modeled by κ distributions, are also ubiquitously observed in space. Various particle acceleration mechanisms have been proposed to explain such a feature, but all previous theories rely on either qualitative analytical method or on non-self-consistent approaches. This paper discusses the self-consistent acceleration of electrons to suprathermal energies by weak turbulence processes which involve the Langmuir/ion-sound turbulence and the beam-plasma interaction. It is discussed that the spontaneous scatttering process, which is absent in the purely collisionless theory, is singularly responsible for the generation of κ distributions. The conclusion is that purely collisionless Vlasov theory cannot produce suprathermal population.

Resetting of circadian melatonin and cortisol rhythms in humans by ordinary room light

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boivin, D. B.; Czeisler, C. A.

1998-01-01

The present study was designed to investigate whether a weak photic stimulus can reset the endogenous circadian rhythms of plasma melatonin and plasma cortisol in human subjects. A stimulus consisting of three cycles of 5 h exposures to ordinary room light (approximately 180 lux), centered 1.5 h after the endogenous temperature nadir, significantly phase-advanced the plasma melatonin rhythm in eight healthy young men compared with the phase delays observed in eight control subjects who underwent the same protocol but were exposed to darkness (p < or = 0.003). After light-induced phase advances, the circadian rhythms of plasma melatonin and plasma cortisol maintained stable temporal relationships with the endogenous core body temperature cycle, consistent with the conclusion that exposure to ordinary indoor room light had shifted a master circadian pacemaker.

Effect of tail plasma sheet conditions on the penetration of the convection electric field in the inner magnetosphere: RCM simulations with self-consistent magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gkioulidou, M.; Wang, C.; Lyons, L. R.; Wolf, R.

2009-12-01

Transport of plasma sheet particles into the inner magnetosphere is strongly affected by the penetration of the convection electric field, which is the result of the large-scale magnetosphere ionosphere electromagnetic coupling. This transport, on the other hand, results in plasma heating and magnetic field stretching, which become very significant in the inner plasma sheet (inside 20 RE). We have previously run simulations with the Rice Convection Model (RCM), using the Tsyganenko 96 magnetic field model, to investigate how the earthward penetration of electric field depends on plasma sheet conditions. Outer proton and electron sources at r ~20 RE, are based on 11 years of Geotail data, and realistically represent the mixture of cold and hot plasma sheet population as a function of MLT and interplanetary conditions. We found that shielding of the inner magnetosphere electric field is more efficient for a colder and denser plasma sheet, which is found following northward IMF, than for the hotter and more tenuous plasma sheet found following southward IMF. Our simulation results so far indicate further earthward penetration of plasma sheet particles in response to enhanced convection if the preceding IMF is southward, which leads to weaker electric field shielding. Recently we have integrated the RCM with a magnetic field solver to obtain magnetic fields that are in force balance with given plasma pressures in the equatorial plane. We expect the self-consistent magnetic field to have a pronounced dawn dusk asymmetry due to the asymmetric inner magnetospheric pressure. This should affect the radial distance and MLT of plasma sheet penetration into the inner magnetosphere. We are currently using this force-balanced and self-consistent model with our realistic boundary conditions to evaluate the dependence of the shielding timescale on pre-existing plasma sheet number density and temperature and to more quantitatively determine the correlation between the plasma sheet conditions and spatial distribution of the penetrating particles. Our results are potentially crucial to understanding the contribution of plasma sheet penetration to the development of the storm-time ring current.

21 CFR 862.1530 - Plasma oncometry test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Plasma oncometry test system. 862.1530 Section 862....1530 Plasma oncometry test system. (a) Identification. A plasma oncometry test system is a device intended to measure plasma oncotic pressure. Plasma oncotic pressure is that portion of the total fluid...

21 CFR 862.1530 - Plasma oncometry test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Plasma oncometry test system. 862.1530 Section 862....1530 Plasma oncometry test system. (a) Identification. A plasma oncometry test system is a device intended to measure plasma oncotic pressure. Plasma oncotic pressure is that portion of the total fluid...

21 CFR 862.1530 - Plasma oncometry test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Plasma oncometry test system. 862.1530 Section 862....1530 Plasma oncometry test system. (a) Identification. A plasma oncometry test system is a device intended to measure plasma oncotic pressure. Plasma oncotic pressure is that portion of the total fluid...

21 CFR 862.1530 - Plasma oncometry test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Plasma oncometry test system. 862.1530 Section 862....1530 Plasma oncometry test system. (a) Identification. A plasma oncometry test system is a device intended to measure plasma oncotic pressure. Plasma oncotic pressure is that portion of the total fluid...

21 CFR 862.1530 - Plasma oncometry test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Plasma oncometry test system. 862.1530 Section 862....1530 Plasma oncometry test system. (a) Identification. A plasma oncometry test system is a device intended to measure plasma oncotic pressure. Plasma oncotic pressure is that portion of the total fluid...

Modeling of fast neutral-beam-generated ions and rotation effects on RWM stability in DIII-D plasmas

DOE PAGES

Turco, Francesca; Turnbull, Alan D.; Hanson, Jeremy M.; ...

2015-10-15

Here, validation results for the MARS-K code for DIII-D equilibria, predict that the absence of fast Neutral Beam (NB) generated ions leads to a plasma response ~40–60% higher than in NB-sustained H-mode plasmas when the no-wall β N limit is reached. In a β N scan, the MARS-K model with thermal and fast-ions, reproduces the experimental measurements above the no-wall limit, except at the highest β N where the phase of the plasma response is overestimated. The dependencies extrapolate unfavorably to machines such as ITER with smaller fast ion fractions since elevated responses in the absence of fast ions indicatemore » the potential onset of a resistive wall mode (RWM). The model was also tested for the effects of rotation at high β N, and recovers the measured response even when fast-ions are neglected, reversing the effect found in lower β N cases, but consistent with the higher β N results above the no-wall limit. The agreement in the response amplitude and phase for the rotation scan is not as good, and additional work will be needed to reproduce the experimental trends. In the case of current-driven instabilities, the magnetohydrodynamic spectroscopy system used to measure the plasma response reacts differently from that for pressure driven instabilities: the response amplitude remains low up to ~93% of the current limit, showing an abrupt increase only in the last ~5% of the current ramp. This makes it much less effective as a diagnostic for the approach to an ideal limit. However, the mode structure of the current driven RWM extends radially inwards, consistent with that in the pressure driven case for plasmas with q edge~2. This suggests that previously developed RWM feedback techniques together with the additional optimizations that enabled q edge~2 operation, can be applied to control of both current-driven and pressure-driven modes at high β N.« less

Long-term administration of pDC-Stimulative Lactococcus lactis strain decelerates senescence and prolongs the lifespan of mice.

PubMed

Sugimura, Tetsu; Jounai, Kenta; Ohshio, Konomi; Suzuki, Hiroaki; Kirisako, Takayoshi; Sugihara, Yoshihiko; Fujiwara, Daisuke

2018-05-01

The decline in immune function caused by aging increases the risk of infectious diseases, tumorigeneses and chronic inflammation, resulting in accelerating senescence. We previously reported a lactic acid bacteria, Lactococcus lactis strain Plasma (synonym of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis JCM 5805, Lc-Plasma), that stimulates plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), which play a crucial role in phylaxis from viral infection. In this study, we investigated the anti-aging effects of long-term oral administration of Lc-Plasma in a senescence-accelerated mouse strain, SAMP6. Mice given Lc-Plasma showed a significant improvement in survival rate at 82 weeks and a decreased senescence score as compared with control mice throughout this study. Anatomic analysis at 82 weeks revealed that the frequency of altered hepatocellular foci was significantly lower, and the incidence of other pathological findings in the liver and lungs tended to be lower in Lc-Plasma mice than in control mice. Transcription level of the IL-1β gene in lungs also tended to be lower in Lc-Plasma mice. Furthermore, the thinning of skin and age-related decrease in muscle mass were also significantly suppressed in the Lc-Plasma group as compared with the control group. Consistent with these phenotypic features, pDCs activity was significantly higher in Lc-Plasma mice than in control mice. In conclusion, long-term administration of Lc-Plasma can decelerate senescence and prolong lifespan via maintenance of the immune system due to activation of pDCs. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Electron-Driven Processes: From Single Collision Experiments to High-Pressure Discharge Plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Becker, Kurt

2001-10-01

Plasmas are complex systems which consist of various groups of interacting particles (neutral atoms and molecules in their ground states and in excite states, electrons, and positive and negative ions). In principle, one needs to understand and describe all interactions between these particles in order to model the properties of the plasma and to predict its behavior. However, two-body interactions are often the only processes of relevance and only a subset of all possible collisional interactions are important. The focus of this talk is on collisional and radiative processes in low-temperature plasmas, both at low and high pressures. We will limit the discussion (i) to ionization and dissociation processes in molecular low-pressure plasmas and (ii) to collisional and radiative processes in high-pressure plasmas in rare gases and mixtures of rare gases and N2, O2, and H2. Electron-impact dissociation processes can be divided into dissociative excitation and dissociation into neutral ground-state fragments. Neutral molecular dissociation has only recently received attention from experimentalists and theorists because of the serious difficulties associated with the investigation of these processes. Collisional and radiative processes in high-pressure plasmas provide a fertile environment to the study of interactions that go beyond binary collisions involving ground-state species. Step-wise processes and three-body collisions begin to dominate the behavior of such plasmas. We will discuss examples of such processes as they relate to high-pressure rare gas discharge plasmas. Work supported by NSF, DOE, DARPA, NASA, and ABA Inc.

The Io plasma torus during the Cassini encounter with Jupiter: Temporal, radial and azimuthal variations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steffl, Andrew Joseph

During the Cassini spacecraft's flyby of Jupiter (1 October 2000 to 31 March 2001), the Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrograph (UVIS) produced an extensive dataset consisting of several thousand spectrally-dispersed images of the lo plasma torus. The temporal, radial, and azimuthal variability of the to plasma torus during this period are examined. The total EUV power radiated from the torus is found to be ~1.7 x 10 12 W with variations of 25%. Several events were observed during which the torus brightened by 20% over a few hours. Significant changes in the composition of the torus plasma were observed between 1 October 2000 and 11 November 2000. The composition and electron temperature of the torus plasma as a function of radial distance were derived from a scale of the midnight sector of the torus. The radial profile during the Cassini epoch shows significant differences from the Voyager era. The Io torus is found to exhibit significant azimuthal variations in ion composition. This compositional variation is observed to have a period of 10.07 hours 1.5% longer than the System III rotation period of Jupiter. While exhibiting many similar characteristics, the periodicity in the UVIS data is 1.3% shorter than the "System IV" period. The amplitude of the azimuthal variation of S II and S IV varies between 5-25% during the observing period, while the amplitude of the variation of S III and O II remains in the range of 2-5%. The amplitude of the azimuthal compositional asymmetry appears to be modulated by its location in System III longitude. The observed temporal variability is reproduced by models of the torus chemistry that include a factor of 3 increase in the rate of oxygen and sulfur atoms supplied to the extended neutral clouds that are the source of the torus plasma coupled with a ~35% increase in the amount of riot electrons in the Io torus. The observed azimuthal variability of the Io torus is well matched by models incorporating a primary source of hot electrons that slips 12.2°/day relative to the System III coordinate system and a secondary source of hot electrons that remains fixed in System III.

Effect of nonthermal electrons on the propagation characteristics and stability of two-dimensional nonlinear electrostatic coherent structures in relativistic electron positron ion plasmas

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Masood, W.; National Centre for Physics; Rizvi, H.

2011-06-15

Two-dimensional propagation of nonlinear ion acoustic shock and solitary waves in an unmagnetized plasma consisting of nonthermal electrons, Boltzmannian positrons, and singly charged hot ions streaming with relativistic velocities are investigated. The system of fluid equations is reduced to Kadomtsev-Petviashvili-Burgers and Kadomtsev-Petviashvili (KP) equations in the limit of small amplitude perturbation. The dependence of the ion acoustic shock and solitary waves on various plasma parameters are explored in detail. Interestingly, it is observed that increasing the nonthermal electron population increases the wave dispersion which enervates the strength of the ion acoustic shock wave; however, the same effect leads to anmore » enhancement of the soliton amplitude due to the absence of dissipation in the KP equation. The present investigation may be useful to understand the two-dimensional propagation characteristics of small but finite amplitude localized shock and solitary structures in planetary magnetospheres and auroral plasmas where nonthermal populations of electrons have been observed by several satellite missions.« less

RETRACTED: Chemical densification of plasma sprayed yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) coatings for high temperature wear and corrosion resistance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Yaping; Fehr, Karl Thomas; Faulstich, Martin; Wolf, Gerhard

2012-12-01

Plasma-sprayed yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) ceramic coatings have been widely used as wear- and corrosion-resistant coatings in high temperature applications and an aggressive environment due to their high hardness, wear resistance, heat and chemical resistance, and low thermal conductivity. The highly porous structure of plasma-sprayed ceramic coatings and their poor adhesion to the substrate usually lead to the coating degradation and failure. In this study, a two-layer system consisting of atmospheric plasma-sprayed 8 wt.% yttria-stabilized zirconia (8YSZ) and Ni-based alloy coatings was post-treated by means of a novel chemical sealing process at moderate temperatures of 600-800 °C. Microstructure characteristics of the YSZ coatings were studied using an electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA). Results revealed that the ceramic top coat was densified by the precipitated zirconia in the open pores. Therefore, the sealed YSZ coatings exhibit reduced porosity, higher hardness and a better adhesion onto the bond coat. The mechanisms for the sealing process were also proposed.

Plasma flow reactor for steady state monitoring of physical and chemical processes at high temperatures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Koroglu, Batikan; Mehl, Marco; Armstrong, Michael R.

Here, we present the development of a steady state plasma flow reactor to investigate gas phase physical and chemical processes that occur at high temperature (1000 < T < 5000 K) and atmospheric pressure. The reactor consists of a glass tube that is attached to an inductively coupled argon plasma generator via an adaptor (ring flow injector). We have modeled the system using computational fluid dynamics simulations that are bounded by measured temperatures. In situ line-of-sight optical emission and absorption spectroscopy have been used to determine the structures and concentrations of molecules formed during rapid cooling of reactants after theymore » pass through the plasma. Emission spectroscopy also enables us to determine the temperatures at which these dynamic processes occur. A sample collection probe inserted from the open end of the reactor is used to collect condensed materials and analyze them ex situ using electron microscopy. The preliminary results of two separate investigations involving the condensation of metal oxides and chemical kinetics of high-temperature gas reactions are discussed.« less

Plasma flow reactor for steady state monitoring of physical and chemical processes at high temperatures

DOE PAGES

Koroglu, Batikan; Mehl, Marco; Armstrong, Michael R.; ...

2017-09-11

Here, we present the development of a steady state plasma flow reactor to investigate gas phase physical and chemical processes that occur at high temperature (1000 < T < 5000 K) and atmospheric pressure. The reactor consists of a glass tube that is attached to an inductively coupled argon plasma generator via an adaptor (ring flow injector). We have modeled the system using computational fluid dynamics simulations that are bounded by measured temperatures. In situ line-of-sight optical emission and absorption spectroscopy have been used to determine the structures and concentrations of molecules formed during rapid cooling of reactants after theymore » pass through the plasma. Emission spectroscopy also enables us to determine the temperatures at which these dynamic processes occur. A sample collection probe inserted from the open end of the reactor is used to collect condensed materials and analyze them ex situ using electron microscopy. The preliminary results of two separate investigations involving the condensation of metal oxides and chemical kinetics of high-temperature gas reactions are discussed.« less

Reaction-in-flight neutrons as a test of stopping power in degenerate plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hayes, A. C.; Jungman, Gerard; Schulz, A. E.; Boswell, M.; Fowler, M. M.; Grim, G.; Klein, A.; Rundberg, R. S.; Wilhelmy, J. B.; Wilson, D.; Cerjan, C.; Schneider, D.; Sepke, S. M.; Tonchev, A.; Yeamans, C.

2015-08-01

We present the first measurements of reaction-in-flight (RIF) neutrons in an inertial confinement fusion system. The experiments were carried out at the National Ignition Facility, using both Low Foot and High Foot drives and cryogenic plastic capsules. In both cases, the high-energy RIF ( En> 15 MeV) component of the neutron spectrum was found to be about 10-4 of the total. The majority of the RIF neutrons were produced in the dense cold fuel surrounding the burning hotspot of the capsule, and the data are consistent with a compressed cold fuel that is moderately to strongly coupled (Γ˜ 0.6) and electron degenerate (θFermi/θe˜ 4). The production of RIF neutrons is controlled by the stopping power in the plasma. Thus, the current RIF measurements provide a unique test of stopping power models in an experimentally unexplored plasma regime. We find that the measured RIF data strongly constrain stopping models in warm dense plasma conditions, and some models are ruled out by our analysis of these experiments.

ECCD-induced tearing mode stabilization in coupled IPS/NIMROD/GENRAY HPC simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jenkins, Thomas; Kruger, S. E.; Held, E. D.; Harvey, R. W.; Elwasif, W. R.; Schnack, D. D.; SWIM Project Team

2011-10-01

We present developments toward an integrated, predictive model for determining optimal ECCD-based NTM stabilization strategies in ITER. We demonstrate the capability of the SWIM Project's Integrated Plasma Simulator (IPS) framework to choreograph multiple executions of, and data exchanges between, physics codes modeling various spatiotemporal scales of this coupled RF/MHD problem on several thousand HPC processors. As NIMROD evolves fluid equations to model bulk plasma behavior, self-consistent propagation/deposition of RF power in the ensuing plasma profiles is calculated by GENRAY. A third code (QLCALC) then interfaces with computational geometry packages to construct the RF-induced quasilinear diffusion tensor from NIMROD/GENRAY data, and the moments of this tensor (entering as additional terms in NIMROD's fluid equations due to the disparity in RF/MHD spatiotemporal scales) influence the dynamics of current, momentum, and energy evolution. Initial results are shown to correctly capture the physics of magnetic island stabilization [Jenkins et al., PoP 17, 012502 (2010)]; we also discuss the development of a numerical plasma control system for active feedback stabilization of tearing modes. Funded by USDoE SciDAC.

Reaction-in-flight neutrons as a test of stopping power in degenerate plasmas

DOE PAGES

Hayes, A. C.; Jungman, Gerard; Schulz, A. E.; ...

2015-08-06

We present the first measurements of reaction-in-flight (RIF) neutrons in an inertial confinement fusion system. The experiments were carried out at the National Ignition Facility, using both Low Foot and High Foot drives and cryogenic plastic capsules. In both cases, the high-energy RIF (E n > 15 MeV) component of the neutron spectrum was found to be about 10 –4 of the total. The majority of the RIF neutrons were produced in the dense cold fuel surrounding the burning hotspot of the capsule, and the data are consistent with a compressed cold fuel that is moderately to strongly coupled (Γ~more » 0.6) and electron degenerate (θ Fermi/θ e~ 4). The production of RIF neutrons is controlled by the stopping power in the plasma. Thus, the current RIF measurements provide a unique test of stopping power models in an experimentally unexplored plasma regime. In conclusion, we find that the measured RIF data strongly constrain stopping models in warm dense plasma conditions, and some models are ruled out by our analysis of these experiments.« less

Plasma miR-26a as a Diagnostic Biomarker Regulates Cytokine Expression in Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.

PubMed

Sun, Juan; Feng, Miao; Wu, Fengqi; Ma, Xiaolin; Lu, Jie; Kang, Min; Liu, Zhewei

2016-08-01

We sought to identify specific microRNA (miRNA) for systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) and to determine the involvement of these miRNA in regulating the expression of cytokines. Microarray profiling was performed to identify differentially expressed miRNA in sJIA plasma. Levels of candidate miRNA and mRNA were assessed by real-time PCR, and cytokines were measured by ELISA. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to validate the direct interaction between miR-26a and interleukin 6 (IL-6). Forty-eight miRNA were differentially expressed in the plasma of patients with sJIA compared with healthy controls (HC). Five miRNA were selected for further validation. The expression level of miR-26a was exclusively elevated in the plasma of patients with sJIA as compared with 4 rheumatic diseases and 2 subtypes of JIA (oligoarticular and polyarticular). The levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α in the plasma of patients with sJIA were increased, and only IL-6 presented a positive correlation with miR-26a (r = 0.539, p < 0.0001). After stimulation with IL-6, miR-26a expression was upregulated in THP-1 cells, while the supernatant level of IL-6 was downregulated by transfection of miR-26a mimics. Consistently, direct target relationship between miR-26a and IL-6 was confirmed. This study demonstrates that miR-26a is expressed specifically and highly in sJIA plasma and suggests that miR-26a may regulate the levels of cytokines in sJIA. Our findings highlight miR-26a as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis as well as differential diagnosis of sJIA.

BETA (Bitter Electromagnet Testing Apparatus) Design and Testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bates, Evan; Birmingham, William; Rivera, William; Romero-Talamas, Carlos

2016-10-01

BETA is a 1T water cooled Bitter-type magnetic system that has been designed and constructed at the Dusty Plasma Laboratory of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County to serve as a prototype of a scaled 10T version. Currently the system is undergoing magnetic, thermal and mechanical testing to ensure safe operating conditions and to prove analytical design optimizations. These magnets will function as experimental tools for future dusty plasma based and collaborative experiments. An overview of design methods used for building a custom made Bitter magnet with user defined experimental constraints is reviewed. The three main design methods consist of minimizing the following: ohmic power, peak conductor temperatures, and stresses induced by Lorentz forces. We will also discuss the design of BETA which includes: the magnet core, pressure vessel, cooling system, power storage bank, high powered switching system, diagnostics with safety cutoff feedback, and data acquisition (DAQ)/magnet control Matlab code. Furthermore, we present experimental data from diagnostics for validation of our analytical preliminary design methodologies and finite element analysis calculations. BETA will contribute to the knowledge necessary to finalize the 10 T magnet design.

Inertial Electrostatic Confinement Fusion: The Laser Elevator Solar System Survey for Propellants Abstract

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pryor, Wayne

1999-01-01

Dr. Wayne Pryor worked on three projects this summer. These were: 1) Inertial Electrostatic Confinement; 2) The Laser Elevator; and 3) Solar System Survey for Propellants Abstract. We Assisted Jon Nadler from Richland Community College in assembling and operating a table-top nuclear fusion reactor. We successfully demonstrated neutron production in a deuterium plasma. Pryor also obtained basic spectroscopic information on the atomic and molecular emissions in the plasma. The second project consisted of the completion of a paper on a novel propulsion concept (due to Tom Meyer of Colorado, the first author): a laser sail that bounces light back to the laser source. Recycling the photons from source to sail perhaps 100-1000 times dramatically improves the energy efficiency of this system, which may become very important for high-velocity missions in the future. Lastly, we compiled a very basic inventory of solar system propellant resources, their locations, and their accessibility. This initial inventory concentrates on sunlight availability, water availability, and the difficulty (delta-velocity requirement and radiation environment) in getting there.

Mercury determination in non- and biodegradable materials by cold vapor capacitively coupled plasma microtorch atomic emission spectrometry.

PubMed

Frentiu, Tiberiu; Mihaltan, Alin I; Ponta, Michaela; Darvasi, Eugen; Frentiu, Maria; Cordos, Emil

2011-10-15

A new analytical system consisting of a low power capacitively coupled plasma microtorch (20 W, 13.56 MHz, 150 ml min(-1) Ar) and a microspectrometer was investigated for the Hg determination in non- and biodegradable materials by cold-vapor generation, using SnCl(2) reductant, and atomic emission spectrometry. The investigated miniaturized system was used for Hg determination in recyclable plastics from electronic equipments and biodegradable materials (shopping bags of 98% biodegradable polyethylene and corn starch) with the advantages of easy operation and low analysis costs. Samples were mineralized in HNO(3)-H(2)SO(4) mixture in a high-pressure microwave system. The detection limits of 0.05 ng ml(-1) or 0.08 μg g(-1) in solid sample were compared with those reported for other analytical systems. The method precision was 1.5-9.4% for Hg levels of 1.37-13.9 mg kg(-1), while recovery in two polyethylene certified reference materials in the range 98.7 ± 4.5% (95% confidence level). Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Longitudinal Assessment of Systemic and Genital Tract Inflammatory Markers and Endogenous Genital Tract E. coli Inhibitory Activity in HIV-Infected and Uninfected Women.

PubMed

Keller, Marla J; McGinn, Aileen P; Lo, Yungtai; Huber, Ashley; Espinoza, Lilia; Minkoff, Howard; Colie, Christine; Nowicki, Marek J; D'Souza, Gypsyamber; Anastos, Kathryn

2016-06-01

Stability over time of systemic and mucosal immunity and their associations with bacterial vaginosis (BV) and HIV-specific parameters were assessed. Immune mediators and HIV viral load in plasma and cervicovaginal lavage (CVL), E. coli inhibition, and Nugent score were measured at three semiannual visits among 94 participants in the Women's Interagency HIV Study. Mixed models identified the factors associated with immune mediators. There was higher E. coli inhibition and lower inflammation over time in the genital tract and systemically. BV was consistently associated with higher CVL inflammatory mediators and lower CVL E. coli inhibition. HIV-infected women with higher CD4 counts had lower systemic and genital inflammatory mediators, and genital HIV shedding was associated with higher CVL inflammatory mediators. Use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) was associated with lower plasma and CVL mediators, but higher E. coli inhibition. HIV and BV are linked to inflammation, and ART may be associated with improved vaginal health. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

40 CFR 98.98 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... this definition. (1) In situ plasma process sub-type consists of the cleaning of thin-film production... within a broad process type. For example, the chamber cleaning process type includes in-situ plasma chamber cleaning, remote plasma chamber cleaning, and in-situ thermal chamber cleaning sub-types. Process...

40 CFR 98.98 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... this definition. (1) In situ plasma process sub-type consists of the cleaning of thin-film production... within a broad process type. For example, the chamber cleaning process type includes in-situ plasma chamber cleaning, remote plasma chamber cleaning, and in-situ thermal chamber cleaning sub-types. Process...

40 CFR 98.98 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... definition. (1) In situ plasma process sub-type consists of the cleaning of thin-film production chambers... within a broad process type. For example, the chamber cleaning process type includes in-situ plasma chamber cleaning, remote plasma chamber cleaning, and in-situ thermal chamber cleaning sub-types. Process...

Summary of initial results from the Magnetized Dusty Plasma Experiment (MDPX) device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, Edward

2015-11-01

Dusty (or complex) plasmas are four-component plasma systems consisting of electrons, ions, neutral atoms and charged, solid particulates. These particulates, i.e., the ``dust,'' become charged through interactions with the surrounding plasma particles and are therefore fully coupled to the background. The study of dusty plasmas began with astrophysical studies and has developed into a distinct area of plasma science with contributions to industrial, space, and fundamental plasma science. However, the vast majority of the laboratory studies are performed without the presence of a magnetic field. This is because, compared to the masses of the electrons and ions, the dust particles are significantly more massive and therefore the charge-to-mass ratio of the dust is very small. As a result, large (B > 1 T) magnetic fields are required to achieve conditions in which the dynamics of electrons, ions, and dust particles are dominated by the magnetic field. This presentation will provide a brief description of the design of the large bore (50 cm diameter x 158 cm long), multi-configuration, 4-Tesla class, superconducting magnet and integrated plasma chamber optimized for the study of dusty plasmas at high magnetic field - the MDPX device. The presentation will then focus on initial results of measurements made using MDPX - including observations of a new type of imposed ordered structures formed by the dust particles in a magnetized plasma, E x B driven flows of the particles, and observations of instabilities. This work is a collaboration of the author with Uwe Konopka (Auburn), Robert L. Merlino (Univ. of Iowa), Marlene Rosenberg (UCSD), and the MDPX team at Auburn University. Construction of the MDPX device was supported by the NSF-MRI program. Operations are supported by the NSF and DOE.

Experimental characterization of a transition from collisionless to collisional interaction between head-on-merging supersonic plasma jets a)

DOE PAGES

Moser, Auna L.; Hsu, Scott C.

2015-05-01

We present results from experiments on the head-on merging of two supersonic plasma jets in an initially collisionless regime for the counter-streaming ions [A. L. Moser & S. C. Hsu, Phys. Plasmas, submitted (2014)]. The plasma jets are of either an argon/impurity or hydrogen/impurity mixture and are produced by pulsed-power-driven railguns. Based on time- and space-resolved fast-imaging, multi-chord interferometry, and survey-spectroscopy measurements of the overlapping region between the merging jets, we observe that the jets initially interpenetrate, consistent with calculated inter-jet ion collision lengths, which are long. As the jets interpenetrate, a rising mean-charge state causes a rapid decrease inmore » the inter-jet ion collision length. Finally, the interaction becomes collisional and the jets stagnate, eventually producing structures consistent with collisional shocks. These experimental observations can aid in the validation of plasma collisionality and ionization models for plasmas with complex equations of state.« less

Experimental characterization of a transition from collisionless to collisional interaction between head-on-merging supersonic plasma jets a)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Moser, Auna L.; Hsu, Scott C.

We present results from experiments on the head-on merging of two supersonic plasma jets in an initially collisionless regime for the counter-streaming ions [A. L. Moser & S. C. Hsu, Phys. Plasmas, submitted (2014)]. The plasma jets are of either an argon/impurity or hydrogen/impurity mixture and are produced by pulsed-power-driven railguns. Based on time- and space-resolved fast-imaging, multi-chord interferometry, and survey-spectroscopy measurements of the overlapping region between the merging jets, we observe that the jets initially interpenetrate, consistent with calculated inter-jet ion collision lengths, which are long. As the jets interpenetrate, a rising mean-charge state causes a rapid decrease inmore » the inter-jet ion collision length. Finally, the interaction becomes collisional and the jets stagnate, eventually producing structures consistent with collisional shocks. These experimental observations can aid in the validation of plasma collisionality and ionization models for plasmas with complex equations of state.« less

Three-dimensional drift kinetic response of high- β plasmas in the DIII-D tokamak

DOE PAGES

Wang, Zhirui R.; Lanctot, Matthew J.; Liu, Y. Q.; ...

2015-04-07

A quantitative interpretation of the experimentally measured high pressure plasma response to externally applied three-dimensional (3D) magnetic field perturbations, across the no-wall Troyon limit, is achieved. The key to success is the self-consistent inclusion of the drift kinetic resonance effects in numerical modeling using the MARS-K code. This resolves an outstanding issue of ideal magneto-hydrodynamic model, which signi cantly over-predicts the plasma induced field ampli fication near the no-wall limit, as compared to experiments. The self-consistent drift kinetic model leads to quantitative agreement not only for the measured 3D field amplitude and toroidal phase, but also for the measured internalmore » 3D displacement of the plasma.« less

Dynamical coupling between magnetic equilibrium and transport in tokamak scenario modelling, with application to current ramps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fable, E.; Angioni, C.; Ivanov, A. A.; Lackner, K.; Maj, O.; Medvedev, S. Yu; Pautasso, G.; Pereverzev, G. V.; Treutterer, W.; the ASDEX Upgrade Team

2013-07-01

The modelling of tokamak scenarios requires the simultaneous solution of both the time evolution of the plasma kinetic profiles and of the magnetic equilibrium. Their dynamical coupling involves additional complications, which are not present when the two physical problems are solved separately. Difficulties arise in maintaining consistency in the time evolution among quantities which appear in both the transport and the Grad-Shafranov equations, specifically the poloidal and toroidal magnetic fluxes as a function of each other and of the geometry. The required consistency can be obtained by means of iteration cycles, which are performed outside the equilibrium code and which can have different convergence properties depending on the chosen numerical scheme. When these external iterations are performed, the stability of the coupled system becomes a concern. In contrast, if these iterations are not performed, the coupled system is numerically stable, but can become physically inconsistent. By employing a novel scheme (Fable E et al 2012 Nucl. Fusion submitted), which ensures stability and physical consistency among the same quantities that appear in both the transport and magnetic equilibrium equations, a newly developed version of the ASTRA transport code (Pereverzev G V et al 1991 IPP Report 5/42), which is coupled to the SPIDER equilibrium code (Ivanov A A et al 2005 32nd EPS Conf. on Plasma Physics (Tarragona, 27 June-1 July) vol 29C (ECA) P-5.063), in both prescribed- and free-boundary modes is presented here for the first time. The ASTRA-SPIDER coupled system is then applied to the specific study of the modelling of controlled current ramp-up in ASDEX Upgrade discharges.

SXR measurement and W transport survey using GEM tomographic system on WEST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mazon, D.; Jardin, A.; Malard, P.; Chernyshova, M.; Coston, C.; Malard, P.; O'Mullane, M.; Czarski, T.; Malinowski, K.; Faisse, F.; Ferlay, F.; Verger, J. M.; Bec, A.; Larroque, S.; Kasprowicz, G.; Wojenski, A.; Pozniak, K.

2017-11-01

Measuring Soft X-Ray (SXR) radiation (0.1-20 keV) of fusion plasmas is a standard way of accessing valuable information on particle transport. Since heavy impurities like tungsten (W) could degrade plasma core performances and cause radiative collapses, it is necessary to develop new diagnostics to be able to monitor the impurity distribution in harsh fusion environments like ITER. A gaseous detector with energy discrimination would be a very good candidate for this purpose. The design and implementation of a new SXR diagnostic developed for the WEST project, based on a triple Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) detector is presented. This detector works in photon counting mode and presents energy discrimination capabilities. The SXR system is composed of two 1D cameras (vertical and horizontal views respectively), located in the same poloidal cross-section to allow for tomographic reconstruction. An array (20 cm × 2 cm) consists of up to 128 detectors in front of a beryllium pinhole (equipped with a 1 mm diameter diaphragm) inserted at about 50 cm depth inside a cooled thimble in order to retrieve a wide plasma view. Acquisition of low energy spectrum is insured by a helium buffer installed between the pinhole and the detector. Complementary cooling systems (water) are used to maintain a constant temperature (25oC) inside the thimble. Finally a real-time automatic extraction system has been developed to protect the diagnostic during baking phases or any overheating unwanted events. Preliminary simulations of plasma emissivity and W distribution have been performed for WEST using a recently developed synthetic diagnostic coupled to a tomographic algorithm based on the minimum Fisher information (MFI) inversion method. First GEM acquisitions are presented as well as estimation of transport effect in presence of ICRH on W density reconstruction capabilities of the GEM.

Gas core reactors for actinide transmutation and breeder applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clement, J. D.; Rust, J. H.

1978-01-01

This work consists of design power plant studies for four types of reactor systems: uranium plasma core breeder, uranium plasma core actinide transmuter, UF6 breeder and UF6 actinide transmuter. The plasma core systems can be coupled to MHD generators to obtain high efficiency electrical power generation. A 1074 MWt UF6 breeder reactor was designed with a breeding ratio of 1.002 to guard against diversion of fuel. Using molten salt technology and a superheated steam cycle, an efficiency of 39.2% was obtained for the plant and the U233 inventory in the core and heat exchangers was limited to 105 Kg. It was found that the UF6 reactor can produce high fluxes (10 to the 14th power n/sq cm-sec) necessary for efficient burnup of actinide. However, the buildup of fissile isotopes posed severe heat transfer problems. Therefore, the flux in the actinide region must be decreased with time. Consequently, only beginning-of-life conditions were considered for the power plant design. A 577 MWt UF6 actinide transmutation reactor power plant was designed to operate with 39.3% efficiency and 102 Kg of U233 in the core and heat exchanger for beginning-of-life conditions.

Thermal barrier coating life prediction model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hillery, R. V.; Pilsner, B. H.; Cook, T. S.; Kim, K. S.

1986-01-01

This is the second annual report of the first 3-year phase of a 2-phase, 5-year program. The objectives of the first phase are to determine the predominant modes of degradation of a plasma sprayed thermal barrier coating system and to develop and verify life prediction models accounting for these degradation modes. The primary TBC system consists of an air plasma sprayed ZrO-Y2O3 top coat, a low pressure plasma sprayed NiCrAlY bond coat, and a Rene' 80 substrate. Task I was to evaluate TBC failure mechanisms. Both bond coat oxidation and bond coat creep have been identified as contributors to TBC failure. Key property determinations have also been made for the bond coat and the top coat, including tensile strength, Poisson's ratio, dynamic modulus, and coefficient of thermal expansion. Task II is to develop TBC life prediction models for the predominant failure modes. These models will be developed based on the results of thermmechanical experiments and finite element analysis. The thermomechanical experiments have been defined and testing initiated. Finite element models have also been developed to handle TBCs and are being utilized to evaluate different TBC failure regimes.

Nonthermal Particle Acceleration in Relativistic Collisionless Magnetic Reconnection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uzdensky, D. A.; Werner, G.; Begelman, M.; Zhdankin, V.

2017-12-01

Recent years have seen significant progress, achieved mostly with particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations, in our understanding of collisionless relativistic magnetic reconnection in both electron-positron pair and electron-ion plasmas, with important implications for high-energy astrophysics. In this talk I will summarize the main findings of a series of systematic PIC studies of reconnection-driven nonthermal particle acceleration (NTPA) in pair plasmas (in both 2D and 3D) and in electron-ion plasmas (in 2D) conducted by our University of Colorado group. We have characterized the nonthermal power-law index α and the high-energy cutoff γ c of the particle energy distribution as functions of system size L, upstream plasma magnetization σ =B02/4π h (where B0 is the reconnecting magnetic field and h is the relativistic plasma enthalpy, including rest-mass), and guide magnetic field Bgz. We have found that, despite the rapid development of 3D drift-kink instability, NTPA is similar in 2D and 3D pair plasmas, producing robust power-law spectra. The power-law index α becomes asymptotically independent of L as L-> ∞ , but exhibits a clear dependence on σ and Bgz. Thus, we find that α decreases with increased σ and approaches a constant value consistent with (but perhaps slightly higher than) 1 in the ultra-relativistic limit σ -> ∞ (without guide field), and increases as one moves into the non-relativistic, low-σ regime. A strong guide field is found to suppress particle acceleration by reducing γ c and increasing α . Overall, our empirical results for both pair and electron-ion plasmas are consistent with α = C1 + C2 σ eff-1/2, where the effective upstream magnetization σ eff includes the guide field's contribution to the total enthalpy, i.e., σ eff = B02/(4π h + Bgz2). In addition, in 2D electron-ion reconnection without guide field, the fraction of the released magnetic energy that goes to the electrons gradually decreases from 50% in the ultra-relativistic high-σ limit to a constant of about 0.25 in the low-σ semi-relativistic limit (ultra-relativistic electrons but nonrelativisitc ions).

Kinetic and spectral descriptions of autoionization phenomena associated with atomic processes in plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jacobs, Verne L.

2017-06-01

This investigation has been devoted to the theoretical description and computer modeling of atomic processes giving rise to radiative emission in energetic electron and ion beam interactions and in laboratory plasmas. We are also interested in the effects of directed electron and ion collisions and of anisotropic electric and magnetic fields. In the kinetic-theory description, we treat excitation, de-excitation, ionization, and recombination in electron and ion encounters with partially ionized atomic systems, including the indirect contributions from processes involving autoionizing resonances. These fundamental collisional and electromagnetic interactions also provide particle and photon transport mechanisms. From the spectral perspective, the analysis of atomic radiative emission can reveal detailed information on the physical properties in the plasma environment, such as non-equilibrium electron and charge-state distributions as well as electric and magnetic field distributions. In this investigation, a reduced-density-matrix formulation is developed for the microscopic description of atomic electromagnetic interactions in the presence of environmental (collisional and radiative) relaxation and decoherence processes. Our central objective is a fundamental microscopic description of atomic electromagnetic processes, in which both bound-state and autoionization-resonance phenomena can be treated in a unified and self-consistent manner. The time-domain (equation-of-motion) and frequency-domain (resolvent-operator) formulations of the reduced-density-matrix approach are developed in a unified and self-consistent manner. This is necessary for our ultimate goal of a systematic and self-consistent treatment of non-equilibrium (possibly coherent) atomic-state kinetics and high-resolution (possibly overlapping) spectral-line shapes. We thereby propose the introduction of a generalized collisional-radiative atomic-state kinetics model based on a reduced-density-matrix formulation. It will become apparent that the full atomic data needs for the precise modeling of extreme non-equilibrium plasma environments extend beyond the conventional radiative-transition-probability and collisional-cross-section data sets.

Experimental characterization of a transition from collisionless to collisional interaction between head-on-merging supersonic plasma jets

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Moser, Auna L., E-mail: mosera@fusion.gat.com; Hsu, Scott C., E-mail: scotthsu@lanl.gov

We present results from experiments on the head-on merging of two supersonic plasma jets in an initially collisionless regime for the counter-streaming ions. The plasma jets are of either an argon/impurity or hydrogen/impurity mixture and are produced by pulsed-power-driven railguns. Based on time- and space-resolved fast-imaging, multi-chord interferometry, and survey-spectroscopy measurements of the overlapping region between the merging jets, we observe that the jets initially interpenetrate, consistent with calculated inter-jet ion collision lengths, which are long. As the jets interpenetrate, a rising mean-charge state causes a rapid decrease in the inter-jet ion collision length. Finally, the interaction becomes collisional andmore » the jets stagnate, eventually producing structures consistent with collisional shocks. These experimental observations can aid in the validation of plasma collisionality and ionization models for plasmas with complex equations of state.« less

Ceramic thermal barrier coatings for electric utility gas turbine engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, R. A.

1986-01-01

Research and development into thermal barrier coatings for electric utility gas turbine engines is reviewed critically. The type of coating systems developed for aircraft applications are found to be preferred for clear fuel electric utility applications. These coating systems consists of a layer of plasma sprayed zirconia-yttria ceramic over a layer of MCrAly bond coat. They are not recommended for use when molten salts are presented. Efforts to understand coating degradation in dirty environments and to develop corrosion resistant thermal barrier coatings are discussed.

A High-Efficiency Superhydrophobic Plasma Separator

PubMed Central

Liu, Changchun; Liao, Shih-Chuan; Song, Jinzhao; Mauk, Michael G.; Li, Xuanwen; Wu, Gaoxiang; Ge, Dengteng; Greenberg, Robert M.; Yang, Shu; Bau, Haim H.

2016-01-01

To meet stringent limit-of-detection specifications for low abundance target molecules, a relatively large volume of plasma is needed for many blood-based clinical diagnostics. Conventional centrifugation methods for plasma separation are not suitable for on-site testing or bedside diagnostics. Here, we report a simple, yet high-efficiency, clamshell-style, superhydrophobic plasma separator that is capable of separating a relatively large volume of plasma from several hundred microliters of whole blood (finger-prick blood volume). The plasma separator consists of a superhydrophobic top cover with a separation membrane and a superhydrophobic bottom substrate. Unlike previously reported membrane-based plasma separators, the separation membrane in our device is positioned at the top of the sandwiched whole blood film to increase the membrane separation capacity and plasma yield. In addition, the device’s superhydrophobic characteristics (i) facilitates the formation of well-defined, contracted, thin blood film with a high contact angle; (ii) minimizes biomolecular adhesion to surfaces; (iii) increases blood clotting time; and (iv) reduces blood cell hemolysis. The device demonstrated a “blood in-plasma out” capability, consistently extracting 65±21.5 μL of plasma from 200 μL of whole blood in less than 10 min without electrical power. The device was used to separate plasma from Schistosoma mansoni genomic DNA-spiked whole blood with a recovery efficiency of > 84.5 ± 25.8 %. The S. mansoni genomic DNA in the separated plasma was successfully tested on our custom-made microfluidic chip by using loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method. PMID:26732765

Ecrh on Asdex Upgrade - System Extension, New Modes of Operation, Plasma Physics Results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stober, J.; Wagner, D.; Giannone, L.; Leuterer, F.; Marascheck, M.; Mlynek, A.; Monaco, F.; Münich, M.; Poli, E.; Reich, M.; Schmid-Lorch, D.; Schütz, H.; Schweinzer, J.; Treutterer, W.; Zohm, H.; Meier, A.; Scherer, Th.; Flamm, J.; Thumm, M.; Höhnle, H.; Kasparek, W.; Stroth, U.; Chirkov, A. V.; Denisov, G. G.; Litvak, A.; Malygin, S. A.; Myasnikov, V. E.; Nichiporenko, V. O.; Popov, L. G.; Soluyanova, E. A.; Tai, E. M.

2011-02-01

The ECRH system at ASDEX Upgrade is currently extended from 1.6 MW to 5 MW. The extension so far consists of 2-frequency units, which use single diamond-disk vacuum-windows to transmit power at the natural resonances of these disks (105 & 140 GHz). For the last unit of this extension two additional intermediate non-resonant frequencies are foreseen, requiring new window concepts. For the torus a polarisation-independent double-disk window has been developed. For the gyrotron a grooved diamond disk is actually favoured, for which the grooved surfaces act as anti-reflective coating. Since ASDEX Upgrade operates with completely W-covered plasma facing components, central ECRH is often applied to suppresses W-accumulation in the plasma center. In order to extend the operational range for central ECRH, X3- and O2-heating schemes were developed. Both are characterized by incomplete single-path absorption. For X3 heating, the X2 resonance at the pedestal on the high field side is used as a 'beam-dump', for the O2 scheme a specific reflector tile on the inner heat shield enforces a second path through the plasma center. The geometry for NTM control had to be modified to allow simultaneous central heating. In real-time the ECRH position can be determined either by ray-tracing based on real-time equilibria and density profiles or from ECE for modulated ECRH power. Fast real-time ECE also allows to determine the NTM position. Further major physics applications of the system are summarized.

Overview of Non-Solenoidal Startup Studies in the Pegasus ST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bongard, M. W.; Barr, J. L.; Bodner, G. M.; Burke, M. G.; Fonck, R. J.; Pachicano, J. L.; Perry, J. M.; Reusch, J. A.; Richner, N. J.; Rodriguez Sanchez, C.; Schlossberg, D. J.

2016-10-01

Local helicity injection (LHI) is a non-solenoidal startup method pursued on Pegasus utilizing compact, high power current sources (Ainj 2 - 4 cm2, Iinj 10 kA, Vinj 1 kV) at the plasma edge. Outboard injectors (Ninj = 4 , Ainj = 8 cm2) produce Ip 170 kA plasmas compatible with Ohmic drive. A 0-D model that treats the plasma as a resistive element with time-varying inductance and enforces Ip limits from Taylor relaxation is used to interpret experimental Ip(t) in several scenarios. Strong inductive drive arises from the plasma shape evolution, in addition to poloidal field induction. A new injector system has recently been installed in the lower divertor region (Ninj = 2 , Ainj = 8 cm2) to explore the implications of geometric placement of the helicity injectors on LHI startup. This geometry supports tests of reconnection dynamics seen in NIMROD simulations, high-BT effects expected in larger devices, and LHI electron confinement with and without inductive assist. Plasmas with Ip > 130 kA, Vinj 0.5 kV, Δtpulse 8 ms and BT /BT , max <= 50 % are produced with the inboard system to date, consistent with performance expectations. Higher Ip is expected with increased BT, Vinj, and Δtpulse . Thomson scattering data in both geometries indicate high Te >= 100 eV during LHI, suggesting the confinement is not strongly stochastic. Conceptual design work is exploring the feasibility of coaxial helicity injection and ECH heating on Pegasus in addition to LHI. Work supported by US DOE Grant DE-FG02-96ER54375.

Nonlinear modulation of an extraordinary wave under the conditions of parametric decay

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dorofeenko, V. G.; Krasovitskiy, V. B.; Turikov, V. A.

2012-06-15

A self-consistent set of Hamilton equations describing nonlinear saturation of the amplitude of oscillations excited under the conditions of parametric decay of an elliptically polarized extraordinary wave in cold plasma is solved analytically and numerically. It is shown that the exponential increase in the amplitude of the secondary wave excited at the half-frequency of the primary wave changes into a reverse process in which energy is returned to the primary wave and nonlinear oscillations propagating across the external magnetic field are generated. The system of 'slow' equations for the amplitudes, obtained by averaging the initial equations over the high-frequency period,more » is used to describe steady-state nonlinear oscillations in plasma.« less

Qualitative dynamical analysis of chaotic plasma perturbations model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elsadany, A. A.; Elsonbaty, Amr; Agiza, H. N.

2018-06-01

In this work, an analytical framework to understand nonlinear dynamics of plasma perturbations model is introduced. In particular, we analyze the model presented by Constantinescu et al. [20] which consists of three coupled ODEs and contains three parameters. The basic dynamical properties of the system are first investigated by the ways of bifurcation diagrams, phase portraits and Lyapunov exponents. Then, the normal form technique and perturbation methods are applied so as to the different types of bifurcations that exist in the model are investigated. It is proved that pitcfork, Bogdanov-Takens, Andronov-Hopf bifurcations, degenerate Hopf and homoclinic bifurcation can occur in phase space of the model. Also, the model can exhibit quasiperiodicity and chaotic behavior. Numerical simulations confirm our theoretical analytical results.

[Contrast of Z-Pinch X-Ray Yield Measure Technique].

PubMed

Li, Mo; Wang, Liang-ping; Sheng, Liang; Lu, Yi

2015-03-01

Resistive bolometer and scintillant detection system are two mainly Z-pinch X-ray yield measure techniques which are based on different diagnostic principles. Contrasting the results from two methods can help with increasing precision of X-ray yield measurement. Experiments with different load material and shape were carried out on the "QiangGuang-I" facility. For Al wire arrays, X-ray yields measured by the two techniques were largely consistent. However, for insulating coating W wire arrays, X-ray yields taken from bolometer changed with load parameters while data from scintillant detection system hardly changed. Simulation and analysis draw conclusions as follows: (1) Scintillant detection system is much more sensitive to X-ray photons with low energy and its spectral response is wider than the resistive bolometer. Thus, results from the former method are always larger than the latter. (2) The responses of the two systems are both flat to Al plasma radiation. Thus, their results are consistent for Al wire array loads. (3) Radiation form planar W wire arrays is mainly composed of sub-keV soft X-ray. X-ray yields measured by the bolometer is supposed to be accurate because of the nickel foil can absorb almost all the soft X-ray. (4) By contrast, using planar W wire arrays, data from scintillant detection system hardly change with load parameters. A possible explanation is that while the distance between wires increases, plasma temperature at stagnation reduces and spectra moves toward the soft X-ray region. Scintillator is much more sensitive to the soft X-ray below 200 eV. Thus, although the total X-ray yield reduces with large diameter load, signal from the scintillant detection system is almost the same. (5) Both Techniques affected by electron beams produced by the loads.

Measurement of Plasma Nitrite by Chemiluminescence without Interference of S-, N-nitroso and Nitrated Species

PubMed Central

Nagababu, Enika; Rifkind, Joseph M.

2009-01-01

Recent studies have demonstrated that plasma nitrite (NO2-) reflects endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity and it has been proposed as a prognostic marker for cardiovascular disease. In addition, NO2- itself has been shown to have biological activities thought to be triggered by reduction back to NO in blood and tissues. The development of sensitive and reproducible methods for the quantitative determination of plasma NO2- is, therefore, of great importance. Ozone-based chemiluminescence assays have been shown to be highly sensitive for the determination of nanomolar quantities of NO and NO related species in biological fluids. We report here an improved direct chemiluminescence method for the determination of plasma NO2- without interference of other nitric oxide related species such as nitrate, S-nitrosothiols, N-nitrosamines, nitrated proteins and nitrated lipids. The method involves a reaction system consisting of glacial acetic acid and ascorbic acid in the purge vessel of the NO analyzer. Under these acidic conditions NO2- is stoichiometrically reduced to NO by ascorbic acid. Fasting human plasma NO2- values were found in the range of 56-210 nM (mean =110 ± 36 nM). This method has high sensitivity with an accuracy of 97% and high precision (C.V <10%) for determination of plasma nitrite. The present method is simple and highly specific for plasma NO2-. It is particularly suited to evaluate vasculature endothelial NO production that predicts the risks for cardiovascular disease. PMID:17382196

Laser ignition of an experimental combustion chamber with a multi-injector configuration at low pressure conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Börner, Michael; Manfletti, Chiara; Kroupa, Gerhard; Oschwald, Michael

2017-09-01

In search of reliable and light-weight ignition systems for re-ignitable upper stage engines, a laser ignition system was adapted and tested on an experimental combustion chamber for propellant injection into low combustion chamber pressures at 50-80 mbar. The injector head pattern consisted of five coaxial injector elements. Both, laser-ablation-driven ignition and laser-plasma-driven ignition were tested for the propellant combination liquid oxygen and gaseous hydrogen. The 122 test runs demonstrated the reliability of the ignition system for different ignition configurations and negligible degradation due to testing. For the laser-plasma-driven scheme, minimum laser pulse energies needed for 100% ignition probability were found to decrease when increasing the distance of the ignition location from the injector faceplate with a minimum of 2.6 mJ. For laser-ablation-driven ignition, the minimum pulse energy was found to be independent of the ablation material tested and was about 1.7 mJ. The ignition process was characterized using both high-speed Schlieren and OH* emission diagnostics. Based on these findings and on the increased fiber-based pulse transport capabilities recently published, new ignition system configurations for space propulsion systems relying on fiber-based pulse delivery are formulated. If the laser ignition system delivers enough pulse energy, the laser-plasma-driven configuration represents the more versatile configuration. If the laser ignition pulse power is limited, the application of laser-ablation-driven ignition is an option to realize ignition, but implies restrictions concerning the location of ignition.

Transfer of a cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet through a long flexible plastic tube

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kostov, Konstantin G.; Machida, Munemasa; Prysiazhnyi, Vadym; Honda, Roberto Y.

2015-04-01

This work proposes an experimental configuration for the generation of a cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet at the downstream end of a long flexible plastic tube. The device consists of a cylindrical dielectric chamber where an insulated metal rod that serves as high-voltage electrode is inserted. The chamber is connected to a long (up to 4 m) commercial flexible plastic tube, equipped with a thin floating Cu wire. The wire penetrates a few mm inside the discharge chamber, passes freely (with no special support) along the plastic tube and terminates a few millimeters before the tube end. The system is flushed with Ar and the dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) is ignited inside the dielectric chamber by a low frequency ac power supply. The gas flow is guided by the plastic tube while the metal wire, when in contact with the plasma inside the DBD reactor, acquires plasma potential. There is no discharge inside the plastic tube, however an Ar plasma jet can be extracted from the downstream tube end. The jet obtained by this method is cold enough to be put in direct contact with human skin without an electric shock. Therefore, by using this approach an Ar plasma jet can be generated at the tip of a long plastic tube far from the high-voltage discharge region, which provides the safe operation conditions and device flexibility required for medical treatment.

A cesium TELEC experiment at Lewis Research Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Britt, E. J.

1979-01-01

The thermoelectronic laser energy converter (TELEC), was studied as a method of converting a 10.6 mm CO2 laser beam into electric power. The calculated characteristics of a TELEC seem to be well matched to the requirements of a spacecraft laser energy conversion system. The TELEC is a high power density plasma device which absorbs an intense laser beam by inverse bremsstrahlung with the plasma electrons. In the TELEC process, electromagnetic radiation is absorbed directly in the plasma electrons producing a high electron temperature. The energetic electrons diffuse out of the plasma striking two electrodes which are in contact with the plasma at the boundaries. These two electrodes have different areas: the larger one is designated as the collector, the smaller one is designated as the emitter. The smaller electrode functions as an electron emitter to provide continuity of the current. Waste heat is rejected from the collector electrode. An experiment was carried out with a high power laser using a cesium vapor TELEC cell with 30 cm active length. Laser supported plasma was produced in the TELEC device during a number of laser runs over a period of several days. Electric power from the TELEC was observed with currents in the range of several amperes and output potentials of less than 1 volt. The magnitudes of these electric outputs were smaller than anticipated but consistent with the power levels of the laser during this experiment.

Experimental Study of Convective Cells and RF Sheaths Excited by a Fast Wave Antenna in the LAPD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martin, Michael; Gekelman, Walter; Pribyl, Patrick; van Compernolle, Bart; Carter, Troy; van Eester, Dirk; Crombé, Kristel

2016-10-01

Ion cyclotron resonance heating (ICRH) will be essential for ITER where it is planned to couple 20 MW to the plasma. During ICRH, radio frequency (RF) sheaths may form on the antenna or farther away, and convective cells are suspected to form adjacent to ICRH antennas, negatively affecting both machine and plasma performance. The LAPD (ne 10 12 - 13cm-3 , Te 1-10 eV, B0 0.4 to 2 kG, diameter 60 cm, length 17m) is an ideal device for performing detailed experiments to fully diagnose these phenomena. A 200 kW RF system capable of pulsing at the 1 Hz. rep. rate of the LAPD and operating from 2 to 2.5 MHz has been constructed to perform such studies. B0 can be adjusted so that this encompasses the 1st to 7th harmonic of fci in H plasmas. Emissive, Mach, Langmuir, and B-field probes measured plasma potential, bulk plasma flows, wave patterns, ne, and Te in 2D planes at various axial locations from the antenna. Plasma potential enhancements of up to 90 V along magnetic field lines connected to the antenna and induced ExB flows consistent in structure with convective cells were observed. Details of these observations along with power scaling of RF sheath voltage and convective cell flows will be presented.

DNA damage in oral cancer and normal cells induced by nitrogen atmospheric pressure plasma jets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Xu; Kapaldo, James; Liu, Yueying; Stack, M. Sharon; Ptasinska, Sylwia

2015-09-01

Nitrogen atmospheric pressure plasma jets (APPJs) have been shown to effectively induce DNA double strand breaks in SCC25 oral cancer cells. The APPJ source constructed in our laboratory operates based on dielectric barrier discharge. It consists of two copper electrodes alternatively wrapping around a fused silica tube with nitrogen as a feed gas. It is generally more challenging to ignite plasma in N2 atmosphere than in noble gases. However, N2 provides additional advantages such as lower costs compared to noble gases, thus this design can be beneficial for the future long-term clinical use. To compare the effects of plasma on cancer cells (SCC25) and normal cells (OKF), the cells from both types were treated at the same experimental condition for various treatment times. The effective area with different damage levels after the treatment was visualized as 3D maps. The delayed damage effects were also explored by varying the incubation times after the treatment. All of these studies are critical for a better understanding of the damage responses of cellular systems exposed to the plasma radiation, thus are useful for the development of the advanced plasma cancer therapy. The research described herein was supported by the Division of Chemical Sciences, Geosciences and Biosciences, Basic Energy Sciences, Office of Science, United States Department of Energy through Grant No. DE-FC02-04ER15533.

Plasma catecholamine metabolites in schizophrenics: evidence for the two-subtype concept.

PubMed

Chang, W H; Chen, T Y; Lin, S K; Lung, F W; Lin, W L; Hu, W H; Yeh, E K

1990-03-01

Plasma homovanillic acid (pHVA) and plasma methoxyhydroxyphenyl glycol (pMHPG), as well as plasma haloperidol, were measured in 33 schizophrenic patients before and during 6 weeks of haloperidol treatment. Good responders had higher baseline pHVA values compared with poor responders (17.4 +/- 8.8 ng/ml, n = 22 versus 11.4 +/- 5.0 ng/ml, n = 11, p less than 0.05). A higher than 15 ng/ml pretreatment pHVA level was associated with a more consistent clinical response to the subsequent treatment. Differential pHVA changes during treatment were also found between good and poor responders. Within the good responder group, a significant decline in pHVA over time was found. By contrast, pHVA showed a transient increase in the poor responder group. Plasma MHPG changes showed a similar pattern during treatment in good responders, although no significant differences in baseline values were found between the good (n = 13) and poor (n = 9) responders, and pMHPG showed no change during treatment in poor responders. Significant correlations between baseline pHVA and pMHPG values were found in 22 patients. Good responders and poor responders did not differ significantly in terms of age, duration of illness, severity of presenting symptoms, haloperidol dose, or plasma drug concentration. Two hypothetical subtypes of schizophrenia and both dopamine and norepinephrine systems involved in schizophrenic psychopathology are proposed.

Microdischarge Sources of O2(singlet Delta)

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-07-15

A two-dimensional model of the MCSD has been developed which includes the details of the Ar/O2 plasma chemistry and yields a self-consistent...the details of the plasma chemistry in oxygen mixtures must be taken into account to predict correctly the plasma conductivity. This must be done

Hydrodynamic Models for Multicomponent Plasmas with Collisional-Radiative Kinetics

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-12-01

16, 17]. The plasma, typically created by electric discharges , can deposit heat locally in the vicinity the flame, which quickly raises the gas...the corona layer of laser produced plasmas (LPP). Secondly, the self-consistent coupling of the plasma with the field gives rise to particle...excited species and reaction radicals; 7 n ncr solid transport layer (overdense) corona layer (underdense) temperature density shock wave ablation

Self-similar expansion of adiabatic electronegative dusty plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shahmansouri, M.; Bemooni, A.; Mamun, A. A.

2017-12-01

The self-similar expansion of an adiabatic electronegative dusty plasma (consisting of inertialess adiabatic electrons, inertialess adiabatic ions and inertial adiabatic negatively charged dust fluids) is theoretically investigated by employing the self-similar approach. It is found that the effects of the plasma adiabaticity (represented by the adiabatic index ) and dusty plasma parameters (determined by dust temperature and initial dust population) significantly modify the nature of the plasma expansion. The implications of our results are expected to play an important role in understanding the physics of the expansion of space and laboratory electronegative dusty plasmas.

High Fidelity Modeling of Field Reversed Configuration (FRC) Thrusters

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-01

space propulsion . This effort consists of numerical model development, physical model development, and systematic studies of the non-linear plasma...studies of the physical characteristics of Field Reversed Configuration (FRC) plasma for advanced space propulsion . This effort consists of numerical...FRCs for propulsion application. Two of the most advanced designs are based on the theta-pinch formation and the RMF formation mechanism, which

Self-consistent Formulation of EBW Excitation by Mode Conversion

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bers, Abraham; Decker, Joan

2005-09-26

Based upon a FLR-hydrodynamic formulation for high frequency waves in a collisionless plasma, we formulate the self-consistent, coupled set of ordinary differential equations whose solution gives the mode conversion of O- and/or X-waves at an angle to B0 to electron Bernstein waves (EBW) at the upper-hybrid resonance UHR layer occurring at the edge of an ST plasma.

Fringe-jump corrected far infrared tangential interferometer/polarimeter for a real-time density feedback control system of NSTX plasmasa)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Juhn, J.-W.; Lee, K. C.; Hwang, Y. S.; Domier, C. W.; Luhmann, N. C.; Leblanc, B. P.; Mueller, D.; Gates, D. A.; Kaita, R.

2010-10-01

The far infrared tangential interferometer/polarimeter (FIReTIP) of the National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX) has been set up to provide reliable electron density signals for a real-time density feedback control system. This work consists of two main parts: suppression of the fringe jumps that have been prohibiting the plasma density from use in the direct feedback to actuators and the conceptual design of a density feedback control system including the FIReTIP, control hardware, and software that takes advantage of the NSTX plasma control system (PCS). By investigating numerous shot data after July 2009 when the new electronics were installed, fringe jumps in the FIReTIP are well characterized, and consequently the suppressing algorithms are working properly as shown in comparisons with the Thomson scattering diagnostic. This approach is also applicable to signals taken at a 5 kHz sampling rate, which is a fundamental constraint imposed by the digitizers providing inputs to the PCS. The fringe jump correction algorithm, as well as safety and feedback modules, will be included as submodules either in the gas injection system category or a new category of density in the PCS.

Dietary docosahexaenoic acid supplementation alters select physiological endocannabinoid-system metabolites in brain and plasma

PubMed Central

Wood, JodiAnne T.; Williams, John S.; Pandarinathan, Lakshmipathi; Janero, David R.; Lammi-Keefe, Carol J.; Makriyannis, Alexandros

2010-01-01

The endocannabinoid metabolome consists of a growing, (patho)physiologically important family of fatty-acid derived signaling lipids. Diet is a major source of fatty acid substrate for mammalian endocannabinoid biosynthesis. The principal long-chain PUFA found in mammalian brain, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), supports neurological function, retinal development, and overall health. The extent to which dietary DHA supplementation influences endocannabinoid-related metabolites in brain, within the context of the circulating endocannabinoid profile, is currently unknown. We report the first lipidomic analysis of acute 2-week DHA dietary supplementation effects on the physiological state of 15 fatty-acid, N-acylethanolamine, and glycerol-ester endocannabinoid metabolome constituents in murine plasma and brain. The DHA-rich diet markedly elevated DHA, eicosapentaenoic acid, 2-eicosapentanoylglycerol (EPG), and docosahexanoylethanolamine in both compartments. Dietary DHA enhancement generally affected the synthesis of the N-acyl-ethanolamine and glycerol-ester metabolites to favor the docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic vs. arachidonoyl and oleoyl homologs in both brain and plasma. The greater overall responsiveness of the endocannabinoid metabolome in plasma versus brain may reflect a more circumscribed homeostatic response range of brain lipids to dietary DHA supplementation. The ability of short-term DHA enhancement to modulate select constituents of the physiological brain and plasma endocannabinoid metabolomes carries metabolic and therapeutic implications. PMID:20071693

Ion-acoustic and electron-acoustic type nonlinear waves in dusty plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Volosevich, A.-V.; Meister, C.-V.

2003-04-01

In the present work, two three-dimensional nonlinear theoretical models of electrostatic solitary waves are investigated within the frame of magnetohydrodynamics. Both times, a multi-component plasma is considered, which consists of hot electrons with a rather flexible distribution function, hot ions with Boltzmann-type distribution, and (negatively as well as positively charged) dust. Additionally, cold ion beams are taken into account in the model to study ion-acoustic structures (IAS), and cold electron beams are included into the model to investigate electron-acoustic structures (EAS). The numerical results of the considered theoretical models allow to make the following conclusions: 1) Electrostatic structures with negative potential (of rarefaction type) are formed both in the IAS model and in the EAS model, but structures with negative potential (of compressional type) are formed in the IAS model only. 2) The intervals of various plasma parameters (velocities of ion and electron beams, temperatures, densities of the plasma components, ions' masses), for which the existence of IAS and EAS solitary waves and structures is possible, are calculated. 3) Further, the parameters of the electrostatic structures (wave amplitudes, scales along and perpendicular to the magnetic field, velocities) are estimated. 4) The application of the present numerical simulation for multi-component plasmas to various astrophysical systems under different physical conditions is discussed.

Dietary docosahexaenoic acid supplementation alters select physiological endocannabinoid-system metabolites in brain and plasma.

PubMed

Wood, Jodianne T; Williams, John S; Pandarinathan, Lakshmipathi; Janero, David R; Lammi-Keefe, Carol J; Makriyannis, Alexandros

2010-06-01

The endocannabinoid metabolome consists of a growing, (patho)physiologically important family of fatty-acid derived signaling lipids. Diet is a major source of fatty acid substrate for mammalian endocannabinoid biosynthesis. The principal long-chain PUFA found in mammalian brain, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), supports neurological function, retinal development, and overall health. The extent to which dietary DHA supplementation influences endocannabinoid-related metabolites in brain, within the context of the circulating endocannabinoid profile, is currently unknown. We report the first lipidomic analysis of acute 2-week DHA dietary supplementation effects on the physiological state of 15 fatty-acid, N-acylethanolamine, and glycerol-ester endocannabinoid metabolome constituents in murine plasma and brain. The DHA-rich diet markedly elevated DHA, eicosapentaenoic acid, 2-eicosapentanoylglycerol (EPG), and docosahexanoylethanolamine in both compartments. Dietary DHA enhancement generally affected the synthesis of the N-acyl-ethanolamine and glycerol-ester metabolites to favor the docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic vs. arachidonoyl and oleoyl homologs in both brain and plasma. The greater overall responsiveness of the endocannabinoid metabolome in plasma versus brain may reflect a more circumscribed homeostatic response range of brain lipids to dietary DHA supplementation. The ability of short-term DHA enhancement to modulate select constituents of the physiological brain and plasma endocannabinoid metabolomes carries metabolic and therapeutic implications.

The composition and plasma signature of a large dust impact on the Giotto spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goldstein, R.; Goldstein, B. E.; Balsiger, H.; Coates, A. J.; Curdt, W.

1991-01-01

At about 14,800 km from the Comet Halley nucleus, on the inbound leg, at least six of the sensors onboard the Giotto spacecraft observed an unusual, brief (about 30 to 500 ms) event: the ion-mass spectrometer data show a brief flow of energetic (up to several hundred electron volts) plasma consisting of protons, water group, and heavier ions. The Johnstone plasma analyzer data show a short burst of plasma, while the dust impact detector system data show an impact event in four of its detectors. The magnetometer signature of the event shows two brief dips in the field. The sudden change in the spacecraft attitude and spin rate observed by the camera at that same time has been interpreted as the result of a large (5 mg or more) dust-particle impact on the front bumper shield of the spacecraft. In addition, at about the same time the spacecraft star-tracker suffered damage. The report combines direct measurements of the composition and dynamics of a dust-impact plasma cloud, the dust particle mass, and the location of the impact on the spacecraft. Analysis of the data indicate that the impacting particle was water or ice-bearing, possibly loosely compared, and was composed of one or more of: carbon, nitrogen, and silicon.

Developing the science and technology for the Material Plasma Exposure eXperiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rapp, J.; Biewer, T. M.; Bigelow, T. S.; Caneses, J. F.; Caughman, J. B. O.; Diem, S. J.; Goulding, R. H.; Isler, R. C.; Lumsdaine, A.; Beers, C. J.; Bjorholm, T.; Bradley, C.; Canik, J. M.; Donovan, D.; Duckworth, R. C.; Ellis, R. J.; Graves, V.; Giuliano, D.; Green, D. L.; Hillis, D. L.; Howard, R. H.; Kafle, N.; Katoh, Y.; Lasa, A.; Lessard, T.; Martin, E. H.; Meitner, S. J.; Luo, G.-N.; McGinnis, W. D.; Owen, L. W.; Ray, H. B.; Shaw, G. C.; Showers, M.; Varma, V.; the MPEX Team

2017-11-01

Linear plasma generators are cost effective facilities to simulate divertor plasma conditions of present and future fusion reactors. They are used to address important R&D gaps in the science of plasma material interactions and towards viable plasma facing components for fusion reactors. Next generation plasma generators have to be able to access the plasma conditions expected on the divertor targets in ITER and future devices. The steady-state linear plasma device MPEX will address this regime with electron temperatures of 1-10 eV and electron densities of 1021{\\text{}}-1020 m-3 . The resulting heat fluxes are about 10 MW m-2 . MPEX is designed to deliver those plasma conditions with a novel Radio Frequency plasma source able to produce high density plasmas and heat electron and ions separately with electron Bernstein wave (EBW) heating and ion cyclotron resonance heating with a total installed power of 800 kW. The linear device Proto-MPEX, forerunner of MPEX consisting of 12 water-cooled copper coils, has been operational since May 2014. Its helicon antenna (100 kW, 13.56 MHz) and EC heating systems (200 kW, 28 GHz) have been commissioned and 14 MW m-2 was delivered on target. Furthermore, electron temperatures of about 20 eV have been achieved in combined helicon and ECH heating schemes at low electron densities. Overdense heating with EBW was achieved at low heating powers. The operational space of the density production by the helicon antenna was pushed up to 1.1 × 1020 m-3 at high magnetic fields of 1.0 T at the target. The experimental results from Proto-MPEX will be used for code validation to enable predictions of the source and heating performance for MPEX. MPEX, in its last phase, will be capable to expose neutron-irradiated samples. In this concept, targets will be irradiated in ORNL’s High Flux Isotope Reactor and then subsequently exposed to fusion reactor relevant plasmas in MPEX.

Formation and extraction of a dense plasma jet from a helicon-plasma-injected inertial electrostatic confinement device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ulmen, Benjamin Adam

An inertial electrostatic confinement (IEC) device has several pressure and grid-geometry dependent modes of operation for the confinement of plasma. Although the symmetric grid star-mode is the most often studied for its application to fusion, the asymmetric grid jet-mode has its own potential application for electric space propulsion. The jet-mode gets its name from the characteristic bright plasma jet emanating from the central grid. In this dissertation work, a full study was undertaken to provide an understanding on the formation and propagation of the IEC plasma jet-mode. The IEC device vacuum system and all diagnostics were custom assembled during this work. Four diagnostics were used to measure different aspects of the jet. A spherical plasma probe was used to explore the coupling of an external helicon plasma source to the IEC device. The plasma current in the jet was measured by a combination of a Faraday cup and a gridded energy analyzer (GEA). The Faraday cup also included a temperature sensor for collection of thermal power measurements used to compute the efficiency of the IEC device in coupling power into the jet. The GEA allowed for measurement of the electron energy spectra. The force provided by the plasma jet was measured using a piezoelectric force sensor. Each of these measurements provided an important window into the nature of the plasma jet. COMSOL simulations provided additional evidence needed to create a model to explain the formation of the jet. It will be shown that the jet consists of a high energy electron beam having a peak energy of approximately half of the full grid potential. It is born near the aperture of the grid as a result of the escaping core electrons. Several other attributes of the plasma jet will be presented as well as a way forward to utilizing this device and operational mode for future plasma space propulsion.

Simulation of Mini-Magnetospheric Plasma Propulsion (M2P2) Interacting with an External Plasma Wind

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Winglee, R. M.; Euripides, P.; Ziemba, T.; Slough, J.; Giersch, L.

2003-01-01

Substantial progress has been made over the last year in the development of the laboratory Mini-Magnetospheric Plasma Propulsion (M2P2) prototype. The laboratory testing has shown that that the plasma can be produced at high neutral gas efficiency, at high temperatures (a few tens of eV) with excellent confinement up to the point where chamber wall interactions dominate the physics. This paper investigates the performance of the prototype as it is opposed by an external plasma acting as a surrogate for the solar wind. The experiments were performed in 5ft diameter by 6ft long vacuum chamber at the University of Washington. The solar wind source comprised of a 33 kWe arc jet attached to a 200 kWe inductively generated plasma source. The dual plasma sources allow the interaction to be studied for different power levels, shot duration and production method. It is shown that plasma from the solar wind source (SWS) is able to penetrate the field of the M2P2 magnetic when no plasma is present. With operation of the M2P2 plasma source at only 1.5 kWe, the penetration of the SWS even at the highest power of operation at 200 kWe is stopped. This deflection is shown to be greatly enhanced over that produced by the magnet alone. In addition it is shown that with the presence of the SWS, M2P2 is able to produce enhanced magnetized plasma production out to at least 10 magnet radii where the field strength is only marginally greater than the terrestrial field. The results are consistent with the initial predictions that kWe M2P2 systems would be able to deflect several hundred kWe plasma winds to produce enhanced propulsion for a spacecraft.

Restrike Particle Beam Experiments on a Dense Plasma Focus. Opening Switch Research on a Dense Plasma Focus.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-06-01

Research on this grant has focused on plasma focus experiments in the areas of particle beam generation and as a potential repetitive opening switch...as were scaling laws for the increase of electron energy and current with input energy. The potential of the plasma focus as an opening switch was...delay line technique. The observed frequencies were most consistent with the lower hybrid frequency. Keywords include: Dense Plasma Focus , Particle Beam Generation, Opening Switch, Load Experiments, Pulsed Power.

Self-consistent Simulation of Microparticle and Ion Wakefield Configuration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanford, Dustin; Brooks, Beau; Ellis, Naoki; Matthews, Lorin; Hyde, Truell

2017-10-01

In a complex plasma, positively charged ions often have a directed flow with respect to the negatively charged dust grains. The resulting interaction between the dust and the flowing plasma creates an ion wakefield downstream from the dust particles, with the resulting positive space region modifying the interaction between the grains and contributing to the observed dynamics and equilibrium structure of the system. Here we present a proof of concept method that uses a molecular dynamics simulation to model the ion wakefield allowing the dynamics of the dust particles to be determined self-consistently. The trajectory of each ion is calculated including the forces from all other ions, which are treated as ``Yukawa particles'' and shielded from thermal electrons and the forces of the charged dust particles. Both the dust grain charge and the wakefield structure are also self-consistently determined for various particle configurations. The resultant wakefield potentials are then used to provide dynamic simulations of dust particle pairs. These results will be employed to analyze the formation and dynamics of field-aligned chains in CASPER's PK4 experiment onboard the International Space Station, allowing examination of extended dust chains without the masking force of gravity. This work was supported by the National Science Foundation under Grants PHY-1414523 and PHY-1740203.

DE 1 observations of type 1 counterstreaming electrons and field-aligned currents

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lin, C. S.; Burch, J. L.; Barfield, J. N.; Sugiura, M.; Nielsen, E.

1984-01-01

Dynamics Explorer 1 satellite observations of plasma and magnetic fields during type one counterstreaming electron events are presented. Counterstreaming electrons are observed at high altitudes in the region of field-aligned current. The total current density computed from the plasma data in the 18-10,000 eV energy range is generally about 1-2 micro-A/sq m. For the downward current, low-energy electrons contribute more than 40 percent of the total plasma current density integrated above 18 eV. For the upward current, such electrons contribute less than 50 percent of that current density. Electron beams in the field-aligned direction are occasionally detected. The pitch angle distributions of counterstreaming electrons are generally enhanced at both small and large pitch angles. STARE simultaneous observations for one DE 1 pass indicated that the field-aligned current was closed through Pedersen currents in the ionosphere. The directions of the ionospheric current systems are consistent with the DE 1 observations at high altitudes.

2-3D nonlocal transport model in magnetized laser plasmas.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nicolaï, Philippe; Feugeas, Jean-Luc; Schurtz, Guy

2004-11-01

We present a model of nonlocal transport for multidimensional radiation magneto-hydrodynamics codes. This model, based on simplified Fokker-Planck equations, aims at extending the formulae of G Schurtz,Ph.Nicolaï and M. Busquet [Phys. Plasmas,7,4238 (2000)] to magnetized plasmas.The improvements concern various points as the electric field effects on nonlocal transport or conversely the kinetic effects on E field. However the main purpose of this work is to generalize the previous model by including magnetic field effects. A complete system of nonlocal equations is derived from kinetic equations with self-consistent E and B fields. These equations are analyzed and simplified in order to be implemented into large laser fusion codes and coupled to other relevent physics. Finally, our model allows to obtain the deformation of the electron distribution function due to nonlocal effects. This deformation leads to a non-maxwellian function which could be used to compute the influence on other physical processes.

Interaction of femtosecond laser pulses with plants: towards distinguishing weeds and crops using plasma temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kunz, Jeremy N.; Voronine, Dmitri V.; Ko, Brian A.; Lee, Ho Wai Howard; Rana, Aman; Bagavathiannan, Muthukumar V.; Sokolov, Alexei V.; Scully, Marlan O.

2017-05-01

The ability to distinguish between crops and weeds using sensors from a distance will greatly benefit the farming community through improved and efficient scouting for weeds, reduced herbicide input costs and improved profitability. In the present study, we examined the utility of femtosecond laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for plant species differentiation. Greenhouse-grown plants of dallisgrass, wheat, soybean and bell pepper were evaluated using LIBS under an ambient environment. LIBS experiments were performed on the leaf samples of different plant species using a femtosecond laser system with an inexpensive lightweight detector. Temperatures of laser-induced plasma in plants depend on many parameters and were determined for each of the study species by the constituent elements interacting with femtosecond laser pulses. Using elemental calcium transitions in plant tissue samples to measure plasma temperatures, we report consistent differences among the four study species, with average values ranging from 5090 ± 168 K (soybean) to 5647 ± 223 K (dallisgrass).

Study of discrete-particle effects in a one-dimensional plasma simulation with the Krook type collision model

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lai, Po-Yen; Chen, Liu; Institute for Fusion Theory and Simulation, Zhejiang University, 310027 Hangzhou

2015-09-15

The thermal relaxation time of a one-dimensional plasma has been demonstrated to scale with N{sub D}{sup 2} due to discrete particle effects by collisionless particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations, where N{sub D} is the particle number in a Debye length. The N{sub D}{sup 2} scaling is consistent with the theoretical analysis based on the Balescu-Lenard-Landau kinetic equation. However, it was found that the thermal relaxation time is anomalously shortened to scale with N{sub D} while externally introducing the Krook type collision model in the one-dimensional electrostatic PIC simulation. In order to understand the discrete particle effects enhanced by the Krook type collisionmore » model, the superposition principle of dressed test particles was applied to derive the modified Balescu-Lenard-Landau kinetic equation. The theoretical results are shown to be in good agreement with the simulation results when the collisional effects dominate the plasma system.« less

Laser-driven, magnetized quasi-perpendicular collisionless shocks on the Large Plasma Device

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schaeffer, D. B., E-mail: dschaeffer@physics.ucla.edu; Everson, E. T.; Bondarenko, A. S.

2014-05-15

The interaction of a laser-driven super-Alfvénic magnetic piston with a large, preformed magnetized ambient plasma has been studied by utilizing a unique experimental platform that couples the Raptor kJ-class laser system [Niemann et al., J. Instrum. 7, P03010 (2012)] to the Large Plasma Device [Gekelman et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 62, 2875 (1991)] at the University of California, Los Angeles. This platform provides experimental conditions of relevance to space and astrophysical magnetic collisionless shocks and, in particular, allows a detailed study of the microphysics of shock formation, including piston-ambient ion collisionless coupling. An overview of the platform and its capabilitiesmore » is given, and recent experimental results on the coupling of energy between piston and ambient ions and the formation of collisionless shocks are presented and compared to theoretical and computational work. In particular, a magnetosonic pulse consistent with a low-Mach number collisionless shock is observed in a quasi-perpendicular geometry in both experiments and simulations.« less

Study of Globus-M Tokamak Poloidal System and Plasma Position Control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dokuka, V. N.; Korenev, P. S.; Mitrishkin, Yu. V.; Pavlova, E. A.; Patrov, M. I.; Khayrutdinov, R. R.

2017-12-01

In order to provide efficient performance of tokamaks with vertically elongated plasma position, control systems for limited and diverted plasma configuration are required. The accuracy, stability, speed of response, and reliability of plasma position control as well as plasma shape and current control depend on the performance of the control system. Therefore, the problem of the development of such systems is an important and actual task in modern tokamaks. In this study, the measured signals from the magnetic loops and Rogowski coils are used to reconstruct the plasma equilibrium, for which linear models in small deviations are constructed. We apply methods of the H∞-optimization theory to the synthesize control system for vertical and horizontal position of plasma capable to working with structural uncertainty of the models of the plant. These systems are applied to the plasma-physical DINA code which is configured for the tokamak Globus-M plasma. The testing of the developed systems applied to the DINA code with Heaviside step functions have revealed the complex dynamics of plasma magnetic configurations. Being close to the bifurcation point in the parameter space of unstable plasma has made it possible to detect an abrupt change in the X-point position from the top to the bottom and vice versa. Development of the methods for reconstruction of plasma magnetic configurations and experience in designing plasma control systems with feedback for tokamaks provided an opportunity to synthesize new digital controllers for plasma vertical and horizontal position stabilization. It also allowed us to test the synthesized digital controllers in the closed loop of the control system with the DINA code as a nonlinear model of plasma.

Ion flow measurements during the MHD relaxation processes in the HIST spherical torus device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nishioka, T.; Hashimoto, S.; Ando, K.; Kikuchi, Y.; Fukumoto, N.; Nagata, M.

2008-11-01

Plasma flow is one of the key roles in self-organization and magnetic reconnection processes of helicity-driven spherical torus (ST) and spheromak. The HIST spherical torus can form the standard ST and the flipped ST plasmas by utilizing the variation of the external toroidal field coil current. The flipped ST plasma can be generated by changing the polarity of the toroidal magnetic field during the standard ST discharge [1]. We have developed an ion Doppler spectrometer (IDS) system using a compact 16 channel photomultiplier tube (PMT) in order to measure the spatial profile of ion temperature and rotation velocity in the HIST device. The IDS system consists of a light collection system including optical fibers, 1 m-spectrometer and the PMT detector. As the results, it was observed that ion velocity was about 10 km/s in the same direction as the toroidal current and ExB direction in the standard ST discharge. The observed ion velocity agrees with Mach probe measurements. During the transition from the standard ST to the flipped ST state, the ion temperature was fluctuated and increased. The result implies an ion heating during magnetic reconnections. In addition, the toroidal direction of the ion flow was reversed. The detail physics of the observed phenomenon will be shown. [1] M. Nagata et al., Phys Rev. Lett. 90, pp. 225001-225004 (2003).

Doppler effects on 3-D non-LTE radiation transport and emission spectra.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Giuliani, J. L.; Davis, J.; DasGupta, A.

2010-10-01

Spatially and temporally resolved X-ray emission lines contain information about temperatures, densities, velocities, and the gradients in a plasma. Extracting this information from optically thick lines emitted from complex ions in dynamic, three-dimensional, non-LTE plasmas requires self-consistent accounting for both non-LTE atomic physics and non-local radiative transfer. We present a brief description of a hybrid-structure spectroscopic atomic model coupled to an iterative tabular on-the-spot treatment of radiative transfer that can be applied to plasmas of arbitrary material composition, conditions, and geometries. The effects of Doppler line shifts on the self-consistent radiative transfer within the plasma and the emergent emission andmore » absorption spectra are included in the model. Sample calculations for a two-level atom in a uniform cylindrical plasma are given, showing reasonable agreement with more sophisticated transport models and illustrating the potential complexity - or richness - of radially resolved emission lines from an imploding cylindrical plasma. Also presented is a comparison of modeled L- and K-shell spectra to temporally and radially resolved emission data from a Cu:Ni plasma. Finally, some shortcomings of the model and possible paths for improvement are discussed.« less

Overview of TJ-II experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sánchez, J.; Acedo, M.; Alonso, A.; Alonso, J.; Alvarez, P.; de Aragón, F.; Ascasíbar, E.; Baciero, A.; Balbín, R.; Barrera, L.; Blanco, E.; Botija, J.; Brañas, B.; de la Cal, E.; Calderón, E.; Calvo, I.; Cappa, A.; Carmona, J. A.; Carreras, B. A.; Carrasco, R.; Castejón, F.; Catalán, G.; Chmyga, A. A.; Dreval, N. B.; Chamorro, M.; Eguilior, S.; Encabo, J.; Eliseev, L.; Estrada, T.; Fernández, A.; Fernández, R.; Ferreira, J. A.; Fontdecaba, J. M.; Fuentes, C.; de la Gama, J.; García, A.; García, L.; García-Cortés, I.; García-Regaña, J. M.; Gonçalves, B.; Guasp, J.; Herranz, J.; Hidalgo, A.; Hidalgo, C.; Jiménez-Gómez, R.; Jiménez, J. A.; Jiménez, D.; Kirpitchev, I.; Komarov, A. D.; Kozachok, A. S.; Krupnik, L.; Lapayese, F.; Liniers, M.; López-Bruna, D.; López-Fraguas, A.; López-Rázola, J.; López-Sánchez, A.; de la Luna, E.; Marcon, G.; Martín, F.; Martínez-Fresno, L.; McCarthy, K. J.; Medina, F.; Medrano, M.; Melnikov, A. V.; Méndez, P.; Mirones, E.; van Milligen, B.; Nedzelskiy, I. S.; Ochando, M.; Olivares, J.; Orozco, R.; Ortiz, P.; de Pablos, J. L.; Pacios, L.; Pastor, I.; Pedrosa, M. A.; de la Peña, A.; Pereira, A.; Pérez-Risco, D.; Petrov, A.; Petrov, S.; Portas, A.; Rapisarda, D.; Ríos, L.; Rodríguez, C.; Rodríguez-Rodrigo, L.; Rodríguez-Solano, E.; Romero, J.; Ros, A.; Salas, A.; Sánchez, E.; Sánchez, M.; Sánchez-Sarabia, E.; Sarasola, X.; Sarksian, K.; Silva, C.; Schchepetov, S.; Skvortsova, N.; Soleto, A.; Tabarés, F.; Tafalla, D.; Tera, J.; Tolkachev, A.; Tribaldos, V.; Vargas, V. I.; Vega, J.; Velasco, G.; Weber, M.; Wolfers, G.; Zweben, S. J.; Zurro, B.

2007-10-01

This paper presents an overview of experimental results and progress made in investigating the link between magnetic topology, electric fields and transport in the TJ-II stellarator. The smooth change from positive to negative electric field observed in the core region as the density is raised is correlated with global and local transport data. A statistical description of transport is emerging as a new way to describe the coupling between profiles, plasma flows and turbulence. TJ-II experiments show that the location of rational surfaces inside the plasma can, in some circumstances, provide a trigger for the development of core transitions, providing a critical test for the various models that have been proposed to explain the appearance of transport barriers in relation to magnetic topology. In the plasma core, perpendicular rotation is strongly coupled to plasma density, showing a reversal consistent with neoclassical expectations. In contrast, spontaneous sheared flows in the plasma edge appear to be coupled strongly to plasma turbulence, consistent with the expectation for turbulent driven flows. The local injection of hydrocarbons through a mobile limiter and the erosion produced by plasmas with well-known edge parameters opens the possibility of performing carbon transport studies, relevant for understanding co-deposit formation in fusion devices.

Self-consistent fluid modeling and simulation on a pulsed microwave atmospheric-pressure argon plasma jet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zhaoquan; Yin, Zhixiang; Chen, Minggong; Hong, Lingli; Xia, Guangqing; Hu, Yelin; Huang, Yourui; Liu, Minghai; Kudryavtsev, A. A.

2014-10-01

In present study, a pulsed lower-power microwave-driven atmospheric-pressure argon plasma jet has been introduced with the type of coaxial transmission line resonator. The plasma jet plume is with room air temperature, even can be directly touched by human body without any hot harm. In order to study ionization process of the proposed plasma jet, a self-consistent hybrid fluid model is constructed in which Maxwell's equations are solved numerically by finite-difference time-domain method and a fluid model is used to study the characteristics of argon plasma evolution. With a Guass type input power function, the spatio-temporal distributions of the electron density, the electron temperature, the electric field, and the absorbed power density have been simulated, respectively. The simulation results suggest that the peak values of the electron temperature and the electric field are synchronous with the input pulsed microwave power but the maximum quantities of the electron density and the absorbed power density are lagged to the microwave power excitation. In addition, the pulsed plasma jet excited by the local enhanced electric field of surface plasmon polaritons should be the discharge mechanism of the proposed plasma jet.

Large-aperture Tunable Plasma Meta-material to Interact with Electromagnetic Waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corke, Thomas; Matlis, Eric

2016-11-01

The formation of spatially periodic arrangements of glow discharge plasma resulting from charge instabilities were investigated as a tuneable plasma meta-material. The plasma was formed between two 2-D parallel dielectric covered electrodes: one consisting of an Indium-Tin-Oxide coated glass sheet, and the other consisting of a glass-covered circular electrode. The dielectric covered electrodes were separated by a gap that formed a 2-D channel. The gap spacing was adjustable. The electrodes were powered by a variable amplitude AC generator. The parallel electrode arrangement was placed in a variable pressure vacuum chamber. Various combinations of gap spacing, pressure and voltage resulted in the formation of spatially periodic arrangements (lattice) of glow discharge plasma. The lattice spacing perfectly followed 2-D packing theory, and was fully adjustable through the three governing parameters. Lattice arrangements were designed to interact with electromagnetic (EM) waves in the frequency range between 10GHz-80GHz. Its feasibility was investigate through an EM wave simulation that we adapted to allow for plasma permittivity. The results showed a clear suppression of the EM wave amplitude through the plasma gratings. Supported by AFOSR.

Current Interruption and Particle Beam Generation by a Plasma Focus.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-11-30

Through collaboration with Dr. K. H. Schoenbach of Texas Tech University the plasma focus opening switch (PFOS) was revised to answer basic questions...results are consistent with the snowplow model. The final analysis of the plasma focus particle beam generation experiments was completed and a...strong correlation was found for the beam-target model as the mechanism for neutron production in the Illinois plasma focus device. (Author)

Optimal back-extrapolation method for estimating plasma volume in humans using the indocyanine green dilution method.

PubMed

Polidori, David; Rowley, Clarence

2014-07-22

The indocyanine green dilution method is one of the methods available to estimate plasma volume, although some researchers have questioned the accuracy of this method. We developed a new, physiologically based mathematical model of indocyanine green kinetics that more accurately represents indocyanine green kinetics during the first few minutes postinjection than what is assumed when using the traditional mono-exponential back-extrapolation method. The mathematical model is used to develop an optimal back-extrapolation method for estimating plasma volume based on simulated indocyanine green kinetics obtained from the physiological model. Results from a clinical study using the indocyanine green dilution method in 36 subjects with type 2 diabetes indicate that the estimated plasma volumes are considerably lower when using the traditional back-extrapolation method than when using the proposed back-extrapolation method (mean (standard deviation) plasma volume = 26.8 (5.4) mL/kg for the traditional method vs 35.1 (7.0) mL/kg for the proposed method). The results obtained using the proposed method are more consistent with previously reported plasma volume values. Based on the more physiological representation of indocyanine green kinetics and greater consistency with previously reported plasma volume values, the new back-extrapolation method is proposed for use when estimating plasma volume using the indocyanine green dilution method.

Quality control considerations for size exclusion chromatography with online ICP-MS: a powerful tool for evaluating the size dependence of metal-organic matter complexation.

PubMed

McKenzie, Erica R; Young, Thomas M

2013-01-01

Size exclusion chromatography (SEC), which separates molecules based on molecular volume, can be coupled with online inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to explore size-dependent metal-natural organic matter (NOM) complexation. To make effective use of this analytical dual detector system, the operator should be mindful of quality control measures. Al, Cr, Fe, Se, and Sn all exhibited columnless attenuation, which indicated unintended interactions with system components. Based on signal-to-noise ratio and peak reproducibility between duplicate analyses of environmental samples, consistent peak time and height were observed for Mg, Cl, Mn, Cu, Br, and Pb. Al, V, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, Se, Cd, Sn, and Sb were less consistent overall, but produced consistent measurements in select samples. Ultrafiltering and centrifuging produced similar peak distributions, but glass fiber filtration produced more high molecular weight (MW) peaks. Storage in glass also produced more high MW peaks than did plastic bottles.

Kinetics of the utilization of dietary arginine for nitric oxide and urea synthesis: insight into the arginine-nitric oxide metabolic system in humans.

PubMed

Mariotti, François; Petzke, Klaus J; Bonnet, Damien; Szezepanski, Isabelle; Bos, Cécile; Huneau, Jean-François; Fouillet, Hélène

2013-05-01

The systemic availability of oral/dietary arginine and its utilization for nitric oxide (NO) synthesis remains unknown and may be related to a competitive hydrolysis of arginine into urea in the splanchnic area and systemic circulation. We investigated the kinetics and dose-dependency of dietary arginine utilization for NO compared with urea synthesis and studied the characteristics of the arginine-NO metabolic system in healthy humans. We traced the metabolic fate and analyzed the utilization dynamics of dietary arginine after its ingestion at 2 nutritional amounts in healthy humans (n = 9) in a crossover design by using [(15)N-(15)N-(guanido)]-arginine, isotope ratio mass spectrometry techniques, and data analysis with a compartmental modeling approach. Whatever the amount of dietary arginine, 60 ± 3% (±SEM) was converted to urea, with kinetics indicative of a first-pass splanchnic phenomenon. Despite this dramatic extraction, intact dietary arginine made a major contribution to the postprandial increase in plasma arginine. However, the model identified that the plasma compartment was a very minor (~2%) precursor for the conversion of dietary arginine into NO, which, in any case, was small (<0.1% of the dose). The whole-body and plasma kinetics of arginine metabolism were consistent with the suggested competitive metabolism by the arginase and NO synthase pathways. The conversion of oral/dietary arginine into NO is not limited by the systemic availability of arginine but by a tight metabolic compartmentation at the systemic level. We propose an organization of the arginine metabolic system that explains the daily maintenance of NO homeostasis in healthy humans.

Current profile control experiments in EXTRAP T2R

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brunsell, P.; Cecconello, M.; Drake, J.; Franz, P.; Malmberg, J. A.; Marrelli, L.; Martin, P.; Spizzo, G.

2002-11-01

EXTRAP T2R is a high aspect ratio (R=1.24 m, a = 0.183 m) reversed-field pinch device, characterised by a double, thin shell system. The simultaneous presence of many m=1, |n| > 11 tearing modes is responsible for a magnetic field turbulence, which is believed to produce the rather high energy and particle transport that is observed in this type of magnetic configuration. In this paper first results from current profile control experiments (PPCD) in a thin shell device are shown. When an edge poloidal electric field is transiently applied, an increase of the electron temperature and of the electron density is seen, which is consistent with an increase of the thermal content of the plasma. At the same time, the soft x-ray emission, measured with a newly installed miniaturised camera, shows a peaking of the profile in the core. Furthermore, the amplitudes of the m=1 tearing modes are reduced and and the rotation velocities increase during PPCD, which is also consistent with a reduction of magnetic turbulence and a heating of the plasma

Investigation of the Neutral Gas Pressure Effect on the Metal Resistive Bolometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, D.; Giannone, L.; Grulke, O.; Piechotka, M.; Windisch, T.; Stark, A.; Klinger, T.

2008-03-01

The bolometer system planned for W7-X consists mainly of metal (Au) resistive detector arrays. All the detectors are exposed to neutral gas environment. The thin bolometer foil used for detecting the radiated power loss may be sensitive to the neutral gas pressure due to the strain gauge effect. Recently, a prototype of this kind of bolometer camera consisting of 12 channels has been installed on the cylindrical plasma device VINETA in order to investigate the influences of the neutral gas pressure on the bolometer signals. Experiments are carried out for Ar-discharges under different gas pressure conditions. It is found that the pressure effect of the neutral gas can make considerable contributions, thus inducing non-negligible errors of the results in most of the investigated cases. Using the VINETA plasmas (Ar, Te<10 eV, ne<10-19 m-3) as examples, the paper demonstrates and discusses how to minimize the neutral gas effects, especially in the data analysis process. The radiated power and the radiation intensity profile obtained in helicon discharges are presented.

Investigation of large-area multicoil inductively coupled plasma sources using three-dimensional fluid model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brcka, Jozef

2016-07-01

A multi inductively coupled plasma (ICP) system can be used to maintain the plasma uniformity and increase the area processed by a high-density plasma. This article presents a source in two different configurations. The distributed planar multi ICP (DM-ICP) source comprises individual ICP sources that are not overlapped and produce plasma independently. Mutual coupling of the ICPs may affect the distribution of the produced plasma. The integrated multicoil ICP (IMC-ICP) source consists of four low-inductance ICP antennas that are superimposed in an azimuthal manner. The identical geometry of the ICP coils was assumed in this work. Both configurations have highly asymmetric components. A three-dimensional (3D) plasma model of the multicoil ICP configurations with asymmetric features is used to investigate the plasma characteristics in a large chamber and the operation of the sources in inert and reactive gases. The feasibility of the computational calculation, the speed, and the computational resources of the coupled multiphysics solver are investigated in the framework of a large realistic geometry and complex reaction processes. It was determined that additional variables can be used to control large-area plasmas. Both configurations can form a plasma, that azimuthally moves in a controlled manner, the so-called “sweeping mode” (SM) or “polyphase mode” (PPM), and thus they have the potential for large-area and high-density plasma applications. The operation in the azimuthal mode has the potential to adjust the plasma distribution, the reaction chemistry, and increase or modulate the production of the radicals. The intrinsic asymmetry of the individual coils and their combined operation were investigated within a source assembly primarily in argon and CO gases. Limited investigations were also performed on operation in CH4 gas. The plasma parameters and the resulting chemistry are affected by the geometrical relation between individual antennas. The aim of this work is to incorporate the technological, computational, dimensional scaling, and reaction chemistry aspects of the plasma under one computational framework. The 3D simulation is utilized to geometrically scale up the reactive plasma that is produced by multiple ICP sources.

An in-house assay for BK polyomavirus quantification using the Abbott m2000 RealTime system.

PubMed

Muldrew, Kenneth L; Lovett, Jennie L

2013-11-01

BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) quantification is useful for monitoring renal transplant patient response to therapy. The Abbott m2000 RealTime System employed by some clinical laboratories to perform US Food and Drug Administration-approved assays can also be used to develop in-house assays such as the one presented here. This study aimed to validate an in-house quantitative real-time PCR assay targeting the BKPyV major capsid VP1 gene for assessment of viral load using the Abbott m2000 RealTime System. BKPyV load was measured in 95 urine and plasma samples previously tested for BKPyV by one of three laboratories (46 BKPyV-positive samples consisting of 35 plasma and 11 urine samples; 49 samples negative for BKPyV consisting of 47 plasma and two urine samples). Two additional plasma specimens from the College of American Pathologists proficiency testing survey were also analysed. Precision studies were performed by diluting a high-viral-titre patient sample into BKPyV-negative pooled plasma to create high-positive (6.16 log10 copies ml(-1)) and low-positive (3.16 log10 copies ml(-1)) samples. For precision studies of inter-assay variability, a high-positive (7.0 log10 copies ml(-1)) and a low-positive (3.0 log10 copies ml(-1)) sample were measured in 20 separate runs. The assay's limit of quantification and limit of detection were 2.70 and 2.25 log10 copies ml(-1), respectively. The assay was linear from 2.70 to 9.26 log10 copies ml(-1). Of the 48 known positives, 43 were detected as positive, with three reported by the reference laboratory as values lower than the limit of detection. Two known positives at 3.27 and 3.80 log10 copies ml(-1) tested negative by the m2000 BKPyV assay. Of the 49 known negative samples, 48 were negative by the m2000 BKPyV load assay, with one sample confirmed positive by a reference laboratory. Qualitative analysis prior to discrepancy testing demonstrated a sensitivity of 89.58 % and a specificity of 97.96 %. Precision studies demonstrated inter-assay coefficients of variation of 0.63 % (high positive) and 4.38 % (low positive). Genotyping was performed on 22 patient samples, of which 21 (95.45 %) were type I and one (4.55 %) was type II. In conclusion, the m2000 BKPyV viral load assay sensitivity, specificity, linear range, precision and cost effectiveness make it an attractive methodology for clinical laboratories using the Abbott m2000 RealTime System.

Basic analytical investigation of plasma-chemically modified carbon fibers1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bubert, H.; Ai, X.; Haiber, S.; Heintze, M.; Brüser, V.; Pasch, E.; Brandl, W.; Marginean, G.

2002-10-01

The background of the present investigation is to enhance the overall adherence of vapor grown carbon fibers (VGCF) to the surrounding polymer matrix in different applications by forming polar groups at their surfaces and by modifying the surface morphology. This has been done by plasma treatments using a low-pressure plasma with different gases, flow rates, pressures and powers. Two different types of carbon fibers were investigated: carbon microfibers and carbon nanofibers. The characterization of fiber surfaces was achieved by photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), contact angle measurements and titration. These investigations were accompanied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The oxygen plasma treatment of the fibers changes the surfaces by forming a layer with a thickness of the order of one nanometer mainly consisting of functional groups like hydroxyl, carbonyl and carboxyl. After functionalization of the complete surface, a further plasma treatment does not enhance the superficial oxygen content but changes slightly the portions of the functional groups. A comparison of the methods applied provides a largely consistent image of the effect of plasma treatment.

Calculation of two-dimension radial electric field in boundary plasmas by using BOUT++

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, N. M.; Xu, X. Q.; Rognlien, T. D.; Gui, B.; Sun, J. Z.; Wang, D. Z.

2018-07-01

The steady state radial electric field (Er) is calculated by coupling a plasma transport model with the quasi-neutrality constraint and the vorticity equation within the BOUT++ framework. Based on the experimentally measured plasma density and temperature profiles in Alcator C-Mod discharges, the effective radial particle and heat diffusivities are inferred from the set of plasma transport equations. The effective diffusivities are then extended into the scrape-off layer (SOL) to calculate the plasma density, temperature and flow profiles across the separatrix into the SOL with the electrostatic sheath boundary conditions (SBC) applied on the divertor plates. Given these diffusivities, the electric field can be calculated self-consistently across the separatrix from the vorticity equation with SBC coupled to the plasma transport equations. The sheath boundary conditions act to generate a large and positive Er in the SOL, which is consistent with experimental measurements. The effect of magnetic particle drifts is shown to play a significant role on local particle transport and Er by inducing a net particle flow in both the edge and SOL regions.

Heterogeneity and lability of endogenous digitalis-like substances in the plasma of the toad, Bufo marinus.

PubMed

Butler, V P; Morris, J F; Akizawa, T; Matsukawa, M; Keating, P; Hardart, A; Furman, I

1996-08-01

Three major groups of endogenous digitalis-like substances (EDLS) have been identified in the plasma of the toad, Bufo marinus. One group of compounds, present in fresh plasma, is composed of chromatographically homogeneous polar conjugates, principally bufadienolide 3-sulfates, which exhibit relatively weak Na(+)-K(+)-adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase) inhibitory activity. A second and larger group of compounds, also found in fresh plasma, includes chromatographically heterogeneous conjugates, which are effective inhibitors of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase; these compounds possess properties similar to those of bufotoxins. The third group of EDLS consists of free unconjugated bufadienolides, which are also effective Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase inhibitors. These unconjugated bufadienolides are present in relatively low concentrations in fresh toad plasma, but appreciable quantities are enzymatically generated from conjugates (believed to consist principally of bufotoxins) during the in vitro incubation of plasma. We suggest that the extent to which circulating polar EDLS are enzymatically deconjugated in vivo may be important in the regulation of the digitalis-sensitive Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase of toad brain, the only known digitalis-sensitive Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase in the toad.

A mechanism for magnetospheric substorms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Erickson, G. M.; Heinemann, M.

1994-01-01

Energy-principle analysis performed on two-dimensional, self-consistent solutions for magnetospheric convection indicates that the magnetosphere is unstable to isobaric (yet still frozen-in) fluctuations of plasma-sheet flux tubes. Normally, pdV work associated with compression maintains stability of the inward/outward oscillating normal mode. However, if Earth's ionosphere can provide sufficient mass flux, isobaric expansion of flux tubes can occur. The growth of a field-aligned potential drop in the near-Earth, midnight portion of the plasma sheet, associated with upward field-aligned currents responsible for the Harang discontinuity, redistributes plasma along field lines in a manner that destabilizes the normal mode. The growth of this unstable mode results in an out-of-equilibrium situation near the inner edge. When this occurs over a downtail extent comparable to the half-thickness of the plasma sheet, collapse ensues and forces thinning of the plasma sheet whereby conditions favorable to reconnection occur. This scenario for substorm onset is consistent with observed upward fluxes of ions, parallel potential drops, and observations of substorm onset. These observations include near Earth onset, pseudobreakups, the substorm current wedge, and local variations of plasma-sheet thickness.

Solitary Ring Pairs and Non-Thermal Regimes in Plasmas Connected with Black Holes*

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coppi, Bruno

2011-10-01

The two-dimensional plasma and field configurations that can be associated with compact objects such as black holes are described, (in the limit where assuming a scalar pressure can be justified), by two characteristic non-linear equations: i) one that connects the plasma density profile to that of the relevant magnetic surfaces and is called the ``master equation'': ii) the other, the ``vertical equilibrium equation,'' connects the plasma pressure to the density and the magnetic surfaces and is closely related to the G-S equation for magnetically confined laboratory plasmas. Two kinds of solutions are found that consist of: i) a periodic sequence of plasma rings; ii) solitary pairs of rings. Experimental observations support the presence of rings around collapsed objects. Tridimensional configuration are found in the linear approximation as consisting of trailing spirals. Observations of High Frequency Quasi-Periodic oscillations implies that they originate from 3-dimentional structures. The existing theory is extended to involve non-thermal particle distributions in order to comply with relevant experimental observations. *Sponsored in part by the U.S. DOE.

Dynamics of tokamak plasma surface current in 3D ideal MHD model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galkin, Sergei A.; Svidzinski, V. A.; Zakharov, L. E.

2013-10-01

Interest in the surface current which can arise on perturbed sharp plasma vacuum interface in tokamaks was recently generated by a few papers (see and references therein). In dangerous disruption events with plasma-touching-wall scenarios, the surface current can be shared with the wall leading to the strong, damaging forces acting on the wall A relatively simple analytic definition of δ-function surface current proportional to a jump of tangential component of magnetic field nevertheless leads to a complex computational problem on the moving plasma-vacuum interface, requiring the incorporation of non-linear 3D plasma dynamics even in one-fluid ideal MHD. The Disruption Simulation Code (DSC), which had recently been developed in a fully 3D toroidal geometry with adaptation to the moving plasma boundary, is an appropriate tool for accurate self-consistent δfunction surface current calculation. Progress on the DSC-3D development will be presented. Self-consistent surface current calculation under non-linear dynamics of low m kink mode and VDE will be discussed. Work is supported by the US DOE SBIR grant #DE-SC0004487.

Picosecond time-resolved measurements of dense plasma line shifts

DOE PAGES

Stillman, C. R.; Nilson, P. M.; Ivancic, S. T.; ...

2017-06-13

Picosecond time-resolved x-ray spectroscopy is used to measure the spectral line shift of the 1s2p–1s 2 transition in He-like Al ions as a function of the instantaneous plasma conditions. The plasma temperature and density are inferred from the Al He α complex using a nonlocal-thermodynamic-equilibrium atomic physics model. The experimental spectra show a linearly increasing red shift for electron densities of 1 to 5 × 10 23 cm –3. Furthermore, the measured line shifts are broadly consistent with a generalized analytic line-shift model based on calculations of a self-consistent field ion sphere model.

The Uranian bow shock - Voyager 2 inbound observations of a high Mach number shock

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bagenal, Fran; Belcher, John W.; Sittler, Edward C., Jr.; Lepping, Ronald P.

1987-01-01

The Voyager 2 magnetometer and plasma detector measured a high Mach number, high beta bow shock on the dayside of the Uranian magnetosphere. Although the average conditions on either side of the shock are consistent with the Rankine-Hugoniot (MHD) relations for a stationary, quasi-perpendicular shock, the data revealed both detailed structure in the transition region as well as considerable variability in the downstream magnetosheath plasma. The bulk plasma parameters and the magnetic field exhibited some of the characteristics of a supercritical shock: an overshoot followed by damped oscillations downstream, consistent with recent theoretical models of high Mach number quasi-perpendicular shocks.

Picosecond time-resolved measurements of dense plasma line shifts

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stillman, C. R.; Nilson, P. M.; Ivancic, S. T.

Picosecond time-resolved x-ray spectroscopy is used to measure the spectral line shift of the 1s2p–1s 2 transition in He-like Al ions as a function of the instantaneous plasma conditions. The plasma temperature and density are inferred from the Al He α complex using a nonlocal-thermodynamic-equilibrium atomic physics model. The experimental spectra show a linearly increasing red shift for electron densities of 1 to 5 × 10 23 cm –3. Furthermore, the measured line shifts are broadly consistent with a generalized analytic line-shift model based on calculations of a self-consistent field ion sphere model.

Optical emission spectroscopy of microwave-plasmas at atmospheric pressure applied to the growth of organosilicon and organotitanium nanopowders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kilicaslan, A.; Levasseur, O.; Roy-Garofano, V.; Profili, J.; Moisan, M.; Côté, C.; Sarkissian, A.; Stafford, L.

2014-03-01

An atmospheric-pressure plasma sustained by an electromagnetic surface wave (SW) in the microwave regime combined with a bubbler/flash evaporator for the injection of liquid precursors was used to produce organosilicon and organotitanium nanopowders. Following the addition of hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) vapors in the nominally pure argon plasma, optical emission spectra revealed the apparition of strong C2 molecular bands along with Si and Balmer H emission lines. Such features were not observed in our atmospheric-pressure Ar/HMDSO discharges controlled by dielectric barriers, indicating that microwave plasmas are characterized by much higher fragmentation levels of the precursors due to much higher electron densities. Emission spectra from the Ar/HMDSO SW plasma further showed a high-intensity continuum, the intensity of which decreased with time as powders started to form on the discharge tube walls. In presence of titanium isopropoxide (TTIP) vapors in the nominally pure Ar plasma, the emission was dominated by Ar and Ti lines, with no trace of carbon and no continuum. Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy of the powders formed in Ar/HMDSO plasmas showed very strong Si-(CH3)x and O-Si-(CH3)x bands, which is consistent with the formation of silicon oxycarbide. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) further showed tube and sheet-like nanofeatures as well as larger structures consisting of agglomerated primary clusters. On the other hand, introduction of O2 in Ar/HMDSO plasmas produced only round-like nanoparticles with strong Si-O-Si bands and no trace of carbon, consistent with the formation of SiOx. The average size of the silica nanoparticles was 50 nm. FTIR spectra of powders formed in Ar/TTIP plasmas showed strong Ti-O signals, even without the addition of O2 in the gas phase. Corresponding TEM analysis showed nano- and agglomerated features comparable to those obtained in Ar/HMDSO although the average size of the titanate nanoparticles was smaller (10 nm). This set of data indicates that SW plasmas represent a promising parametric tool not only to achieve nanopowders with tailored properties for applications, but also for fundamental studies of nanodusty plasmas at atmospheric-pressure.

Sex and storage affect cholinesterase activity in blood plasma of Japanese quail

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hill, E.F.

1989-01-01

Freezing at -25?C had confounding effects on cholinesterase (ChE) activity in blood plasma from breeding female quail, but did not affect ChE activity in plasma from males. Plasma ChE activity of control females increased consistently during 28 days of storage while both carbamate- and cidrotophos-inhibited ChE decreased. Refrigeration of plasma at 4?C for 2 days had little effect of ChE activity. Plasma ChE activity was averaged about 34% higher in breeding males than in females. Extreme caution should be exercised in use of blood plasma for evaluation of anti ChE exposure in free-living birds.

Performance Improvement of a Magnetized Coaxial Plasma Gun by adopting Iron-core Bias Coil and New Pre-Ionization System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Edo, Takahiro; Asai, T.; Tanaka, F.; Yamada, S.; Hosozawa, A.; Gota, H.; Roche, T.; Allfrey, I.; Matsumoto, T.

2017-10-01

A magnetized coaxial plasma gun (MCPG) is a device used to generate a compact toroid (CT), which has a spheromak-like configuration. A typical MCPG consists of a set of axisymmetric cylindrical electrodes, bias coil, and gas-puff valves. In order to expand the CT operating range, the distributions of the bias magnetic field and neutral gas have been investigated. We have developed a new means of generating stuffing flux. By inserting an iron core into the bias coil, the magnetic field increases dramatically; even a small current of a few Amps produces a sufficient bias field. According to a simulation result, it was also suggested that the radial distribution of the bias field is easily controlled. The ejected CT and the target FRC are cooled by excess neutral gas that typical MCPGs require to initiate a breakdown; therefore, we have adopted a miniature gun as a new pre-ionization (PI) system. By introducing this PI system, the breakdown occurs at lower neutral gas density so that the amount of excess neutral gas can be reduced.

Catecholamine plasma levels, IFN-γ serum levels and antibodies production induced by rabies vaccine in dogs selected for their paw preference.

PubMed

Siniscalchi, Marcello; Cirone, Francesco; Guaricci, Antonio Ciro; Quaranta, Angelo

2014-01-01

To explore the possible role of the sympathetic nervous activity in the asymmetrical crosstalk between the brain and immune system, catecholamine (E, NE) plasma levels, Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) serum levels and production of antibodies induced by rabies vaccine in dogs selected for their paw preference were measured. The results showed that the direction of behavioural lateralization influenced both epinephrine levels and immune response in dogs. A different kinetic of epinephrine levels after immunization was observed in left-pawed dogs compared to both right-pawed and ambidextrous dogs. The titers of antirabies antibodies were lower in left-pawed dogs than in right-pawed and ambidextrous dogs. Similarly, the IFN-γ serum levels were lower in left-pawed dogs than in the other two groups. Taken together, these findings showed that the left-pawed group appeared to be consistently the different group stressing the fundamental role played by the sympathetic nervous system as a mechanistic basis for the crosstalk between the brain and the immune system.

Ultrasoft x-ray imaging system for the National Spherical Torus Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stutman, D.; Finkenthal, M.; Soukhanovskii, V.; May, M. J.; Moos, H. W.; Kaita, R.

1999-01-01

A spectrally resolved ultrasoft x-ray imaging system, consisting of arrays of high resolution (<2 Å) and throughput (⩾tens of kHz) miniature monochromators, and based on multilayer mirrors and absolute photodiodes, is being designed for the National Spherical Torus Experiment. Initially, three poloidal arrays of diodes filtered for C 1s-np emission will be implemented for fast tomographic imaging of the colder start-up plasmas. Later on, mirrors tuned to the C Lyα emission will be added in order to enable the arrays to "see" the periphery through the hot core and to study magnetohydrodynamic activity and impurity transport in this region. We also discuss possible core diagnostics, based on tomographic imaging of the Lyα emission from the plume of recombined, low Z impurity ions left by neutral beams or fueling pellets. The arrays can also be used for radiated power measurements and to map the distribution of high Z impurities injected for transport studies. The performance of the proposed system is illustrated with results from test channels on the CDX-U spherical torus at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory.

Compact advanced extreme-ultraviolet imaging spectrometer for spatiotemporally varying tungsten spectra from fusion plasmas.

PubMed

Song, Inwoo; Seon, C R; Hong, Joohwan; An, Y H; Barnsley, R; Guirlet, R; Choe, Wonho

2017-09-01

A compact advanced extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) spectrometer operating in the EUV wavelength range of a few nanometers to measure spatially resolved line emissions from tungsten (W) was developed for studying W transport in fusion plasmas. This system consists of two perpendicularly crossed slits-an entrance aperture and a space-resolved slit-inside a chamber operating as a pinhole, which enables the system to obtain a spatial distribution of line emissions. Moreover, a so-called v-shaped slit was devised to manage the aperture size for measuring the spatial resolution of the system caused by the finite width of the pinhole. A back-illuminated charge-coupled device was used as a detector with 2048 × 512 active pixels, each with dimensions of 13.5 × 13.5 μm 2 . After the alignment and installation on Korea superconducting tokamak advanced research, the preliminary results were obtained during the 2016 campaign. Several well-known carbon atomic lines in the 2-7 nm range originating from intrinsic carbon impurities were observed and used for wavelength calibration. Further, the time behavior of their spatial distributions is presented.

Membrane-based, sedimentation-assisted plasma separator for point-of-care applications.

PubMed

Liu, Changchun; Mauk, Michael; Gross, Robert; Bushman, Frederic D; Edelstein, Paul H; Collman, Ronald G; Bau, Haim H

2013-11-05

Often, high-sensitivity, point-of-care (POC) clinical tests, such as HIV viral load, require large volumes of plasma. Although centrifuges are ubiquitously used in clinical laboratories to separate plasma from whole blood, centrifugation is generally inappropriate for on-site testing. Suitable alternatives are not readily available to separate the relatively large volumes of plasma from milliliters of blood that may be needed to meet stringent limit-of-detection specifications for low-abundance target molecules. We report on a simple-to-use, low-cost, pump-free, membrane-based, sedimentation-assisted plasma separator capable of separating a relatively large volume of plasma from undiluted whole blood within minutes. This plasma separator consists of an asymmetric, porous, polysulfone membrane housed in a disposable chamber. The separation process takes advantage of both gravitational sedimentation of blood cells and size exclusion-based filtration. The plasma separator demonstrated a "blood in-plasma out" capability, consistently extracting 275 ± 33.5 μL of plasma from 1.8 mL of undiluted whole blood within less than 7 min. The device was used to separate plasma laden with HIV viruses from HIV virus-spiked whole blood with recovery efficiencies of 95.5% ± 3.5%, 88.0% ± 9.5%, and 81.5% ± 12.1% for viral loads of 35,000, 3500, and 350 copies/mL, respectively. The separation process is self-terminating to prevent excessive hemolysis. The HIV-laden plasma was then injected into our custom-made microfluidic chip for nucleic acid testing and was successfully subjected to reverse-transcriptase loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP), demonstrating that the plasma is sufficiently pure to support high-efficiency nucleic acid amplification.

Membrane-based, sedimentation-assisted plasma separator for point-of-care applications

PubMed Central

Liu, Changchun; Mauk, Michael; Gross, Robert; Bushman, Frederic D.; Edelstein, Paul H.; Collman, Ronald G.; Bau, Haim H.

2014-01-01

Often, high sensitivity, point of care, clinical tests, such as HIV viral load, require large volumes of plasma. Although centrifuges are ubiquitously used in clinical laboratories to separate plasma from whole blood, centrifugation is generally inappropriate for on-site testing. Suitable alternatives are not readily available to separate the relatively large volumes of plasma from milliliters of blood that may be needed to meet stringent limit-of-detection specifications for low abundance target molecules. We report on a simple to use, low-cost, pump-free, membrane-based, sedimentation-assisted plasma separator capable of separating a relatively large volume of plasma from undiluted whole blood within minutes. This plasma separator consists of an asymmetric, porous, polysulfone membrane housed in a disposable chamber. The separation process takes advantage of both gravitational sedimentation of blood cells and size exclusion-based filtration. The plasma separator demonstrated a “blood in-plasma out” capability, consistently extracting 275 ±33.5 μL of plasma from 1.8 mL of undiluted whole blood in less than 7 min. The device was used to separate plasma laden with HIV viruses from HIV virus-spiked whole blood with recovery efficiencies of 95.5% ± 3.5%, 88.0% ± 9.5%, and 81.5% ± 12.1% for viral loads of 35,000, 3,500 and 350 copies/mL, respectively. The separation process is self-terminating to prevent excessive hemolysis. The HIV-laden plasma was then injected into our custom-made microfluidic chip for nucleic acid Testing And Was Successfully Subjected To Reverse Transcriptase Loop mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP), demonstrating that the plasma is sufficiently pure to support high efficiency nucleic acid amplification. PMID:24099566

A stochastic differential equation model of diurnal cortisol patterns

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, E. N.; Meehan, P. M.; Dempster, A. P.

2001-01-01

Circadian modulation of episodic bursts is recognized as the normal physiological pattern of diurnal variation in plasma cortisol levels. The primary physiological factors underlying these diurnal patterns are the ultradian timing of secretory events, circadian modulation of the amplitude of secretory events, infusion of the hormone from the adrenal gland into the plasma, and clearance of the hormone from the plasma by the liver. Each measured plasma cortisol level has an error arising from the cortisol immunoassay. We demonstrate that all of these three physiological principles can be succinctly summarized in a single stochastic differential equation plus measurement error model and show that physiologically consistent ranges of the model parameters can be determined from published reports. We summarize the model parameters in terms of the multivariate Gaussian probability density and establish the plausibility of the model with a series of simulation studies. Our framework makes possible a sensitivity analysis in which all model parameters are allowed to vary simultaneously. The model offers an approach for simultaneously representing cortisol's ultradian, circadian, and kinetic properties. Our modeling paradigm provides a framework for simulation studies and data analysis that should be readily adaptable to the analysis of other endocrine hormone systems.

Mode conversion in three ion species ICRF heating scenario

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Y.; Edlund, E.; Ennever, P.; Porkolab, M.; Wright, J.; Wukitch, S.

2016-10-01

Three-ion species ICRF heating has been studied on Alcator C-Mod and on JET. It has been shown to heat the plasma and generate energetic particles. In a typical three-ion scenario, the plasma consists of 60-70% D, 30-40% H and a trace level (1% or less) of 3He. This species mixture creates two hybrid resonances (D-3He and 3He-H) in the plasma, in the vicinity of the 3He IC resonance (on both sides). The fast wave can undergo mode conversion (MC) to ion Bernstein waves and ion cyclotron waves at the two hybrid resonances. A phase contrast imaging (PCI) system has been used to measure the RF waves in the three-ion heating experiment. The experimentally measured MC locations and the separating distance between the two MC regions help to determine the concentration of the three species. The PCI signal amplitudes for the RF waves are found to be sensitive to RF and plasma parameters, including PRF, Te, ne and also the species mix concentration. The parameter dependences found in the experiment will be compared with ICRF code simulations. Supported by USDoE Awards DE-FC02-99ER54512 and DE-FG02-94-ER54235.

Simulations of galaxy cluster collisions with a dark plasma component

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spethmann, Christian; Veermäe, Hardi; Sepp, Tiit; Heikinheimo, Matti; Deshev, Boris; Hektor, Andi; Raidal, Martti

2017-12-01

Context. Dark plasma is an intriguing form of self-interacting dark matter with an effective fluid-like behavior, which is well motivated by various theoretical particle physics models. Aims: We aim to find an explanation for an isolated mass clump in the Abell 520 system, which cannot be explained by traditional models of dark matter, but has been detected in weak lensing observations. Methods: We performed N-body smoothed particle hydrodynamics simulations of galaxy cluster collisions with a two component model of dark matter, which is assumed to consist of a predominant non-interacting dark matter component and a 10-40% mass fraction of dark plasma. Results: The mass of a possible dark clump was calculated for each simulation in a parameter scan over the underlying model parameters. In two higher resolution simulations shock-waves and Mach cones were observed to form in the dark plasma halos. Conclusions: By choosing suitable simulation parameters, the observed distributions of dark matter in both the Bullet cluster (1E 0657-558) and Abell 520 (MS 0451.5+0250) can be qualitatively reproduced. Movies associated to Figs. A.1 and A.2 are available at http://www.aanda.org

Plasma and Shock Generation by Indirect Laser Pulse Action

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kasperczuk, A.; Borodziuk, S.; Pisarczyk, T.

2006-01-15

In the paper the results of our experiment with flyer disks, accelerated to high velocities by the PALS iodine laser and subsequently creating craters when hitting massive targets , are presented. We have carried out experiments with the double targets consisted of a disk placed in front of a massive target part at distances of either 200 or 500 {mu}m. Both elements of the targets were made of Al. The following disk irradiation conditions were used: laser energy of 130 J, laser wavelength of 1.315 {mu}m, pulse duration of 0.4 ns, and laser spot diameter of 250 {mu}m. To measuremore » some plasma parameters and accelerated disk velocity a three frame interferometric system was used. Efficiency of crater creation by a disk impact was determined from the crater parameters, which were obtained by means of a crater replica technique. The experimental results concern two main stages: (a) ablative plasma generation and disk acceleration and (b) disk impact and crater creation. Spatial density distributions at different moments of plasma generation and expansion are shown. Discussion of the experimental results on the basis of a 2-D theoretical model of the laser -- solid target interaction is carried out.« less

Measurements of tungsten migration in the DIII-D divertor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wampler, W. R.; Rudakov, D. L.; Watkins, J. G.; McLean, A. G.; Unterberg, E. A.; Stangeby, P. C.

2017-12-01

An experimental study of migration of tungsten in the DIII-D divertor is described, in which the outer strike point of L-mode plasmas was positioned on a toroidal ring of tungsten-coated metal inserts. Net deposition of tungsten on the divertor just outside the strike point was measured on graphite samples exposed to various plasma durations using the divertor materials evaluation system. Tungsten coverage, measured by Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS), was found to be low and nearly independent of both radius and exposure time closer to the strike point, whereas farther from the strike point the W coverage was much larger and increased with exposure time. Depth profiles from RBS show this was due to accumulation of thicker mixed-material deposits farther from the strike point where the plasma temperature is lower. These results are consistent with a low near-surface steady-state coverage on graphite undergoing net erosion, and continuing accumulation in regions of net deposition. This experiment provides data needed to validate, and further improve computational simulations of erosion and deposition of material on plasma-facing components and transport of impurities in magnetic fusion devices. Such simulations are underway and will be reported later.