RF wave observations in beam-plasma discharge

The Beam Plasma. Discharge (BPD) has been produced in the large vacuum chamber at Johnson Space Center (2 x 3 m) using an energetic electron beam of moderately high perveance (K ~ 1.4 x 1^-6 A V^-3/2). A more complete expression of the threshold current IC taking into account the pitch angle injection dependence is given. Ambient plasma density inferred from wave measurements under various beam conditions are reported. It is observed that the maximum frequency of the excited RF band behaves differently than the frequency of the peak amplitude. The latter shows signs of parabolic saturation consistent with the light data. It is found that the beam plasma state (pre-BPD or BPD) does not affect the pitch angle dependence. Unexpected strong modulation of the RF spectrum at half odd integer of the electron cyclotron frequency (n + 1/2)fce is reported (5 < n < 1). Another new feature, the presence of wave emission around 3/2 Fce for Ib = Ic is reported.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Natural Sciences

Grantor

Rice University

Year dc:date.issued

1983

Author dc:creator

• Mesli, Rachid

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Bernstein, William

Committee member dc:contributor.committeemember

• Michel, F. Curtis;Stebbings, Ronald F.

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/1911/104003

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.rice.edu:1911/104003