Wave coupling and propagation from a fast-wave antenna in the lower hybrid range of frequencies

July 2025 | J. Larson | Journal of Plasma Physics | Paper

A set of experiments were conducted on the Large Plasma Device (LAPD) at UCLA to test the operational principles of a traveling wave antenna of the comb-line type. This antenna was designed to launch helicon waves (fast waves in the lower hybrid range of frequencies) on DIII-D.

Electromagnetic and Centrifugal Effects on Plasma Acceleration in the Magnetic Nozzle

July 2025 | A.I. Smolyakov | Physics of Plasmas | Paper

Plasma flow and acceleration in the converging-diverging magnetic field configuration, such as magnetic nozzle in electric propulsion and open magnetic mirrors for fusion applications are considered.

Integral expressions for self and mutual inductances of circular coils with rectangular winding cross sections

June 2025 | A. Ivanov | Review of Scientific Instruments | Paper

The method of extracting inductance based on formulas has been widely used due to its simplicity and efficiency. The literature primarily
includes various formulas for inductance, which have been derived using different approximations.

Ion particle confinement in field-reversed configurations

June 2025 | L. Steinhauer | Physics of Plasmas | Paper

A system for analyzing equilibria with fully kinetic ions is developed, aimed at understanding ion end-loss rates in field-reversed configurations. The method builds upon the constants of motion in energy-momentum phase space.

Generation of field-reversed configurations via neutral beam injection

April 2025 | T. Roche | Nature Communications | Paper

We report evidence of successful generation of field-reversed configuration plasmas by neutral beam injection. This is achieved by trapping the steady state beams in an initial seed plasma, hence providing a direct source of toroidally directed energetic ion current and increase plasma …