Spectroscopic method for measuring the radial component of the magnetic field in cylindrically imploding plasmas

Area of Science:

• Plasma Physics
• Spectroscopy
• Magnetohydrodynamics

Background:

• Magnetized plasma columns are crucial in various high-energy density physics applications.
• Accurate measurement of magnetic fields within these plasmas is essential for understanding their dynamics.
• Existing spectroscopic methods have limitations in resolving radial magnetic field components.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel polarization-based spectroscopic method for measuring the radial magnetic field component (Br).
• To investigate the behavior and magnitude of the radial magnetic field in an imploding magnetized-plasma column.
• To enhance the capabilities of spectroscopic diagnostics for magnetized plasmas.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a polarization-based spectroscopic approach combining Zeeman splitting and Doppler shift effects.
• Employing imploding oxygen plasma with a pre-embedded axial magnetic field (Bz).
• Measuring the magnitude and direction of the magnetic field vector (B⃗) along the radial coordinate.

Main Results:

• Successfully measured the radial component of the magnetic field (Br) in an imploding plasma column.
• Observed that the radial magnetic field constitutes a substantial fraction of the total magnetic field (B⃗) in the compressed plasma.
• Demonstrated the bending of axial magnetic field lines due to plasma non-uniformity and compression.

Conclusions:

• The developed spectroscopic method effectively measures the radial magnetic field in magnetized plasmas.
• The findings highlight the significant role of radial magnetic fields in compressed plasma dynamics.
• This technique advances plasma diagnostics, aiding the study of plasma rotation and energy flow in high-current pulse experiments.