Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Graduate
individual
What campus are you from?
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Trevor Clevenger, Graduate Student
Lead Presenter's Name
Trevor Clevenger
Faculty Mentor Name
Byonghoon Seo
Abstract
Plasma diagnostics play a crucial role in understanding the behavior and properties of plasmas, especially in high-energy applications such as fusion research. Thomson scattering, a widely used diagnostic technique, provides valuable insights into electron density and temperature. We present the setup and utilization of a laser system for Thomson scattering measurements in a MHD driven plasma jet experiment. The experimental setup consists of a high-energy laser system, a plasma jet generator, and a collection optics system. The 10 Hz, 400 mJ YAG laser generates a 10 ns pulse width beam that is carefully focused onto the center of the plasma jet inside the chamber. The scattered light from the electrons is collected into a 1-D optical fiber and a 1-m spectrometer for analysis. The spectrum is expected to show a collective Thomson scattering signal as the parameter ranges are within the collective regime. The collective Thomson spectrum allows us to extract valuable information about the plasma's electron density and temperature. We discuss the key components of the laser system, including the laser source, optics, and detectors, highlighting their roles in achieving accurate and reliable Thomson scattering measurements.
Did this research project receive funding support from the Office of Undergraduate Research.
Yes, Spark Grant
Use of Thomson Scattering for Plasma Characterization in the Embry Riddle Plasma Jet Experiment
Plasma diagnostics play a crucial role in understanding the behavior and properties of plasmas, especially in high-energy applications such as fusion research. Thomson scattering, a widely used diagnostic technique, provides valuable insights into electron density and temperature. We present the setup and utilization of a laser system for Thomson scattering measurements in a MHD driven plasma jet experiment. The experimental setup consists of a high-energy laser system, a plasma jet generator, and a collection optics system. The 10 Hz, 400 mJ YAG laser generates a 10 ns pulse width beam that is carefully focused onto the center of the plasma jet inside the chamber. The scattered light from the electrons is collected into a 1-D optical fiber and a 1-m spectrometer for analysis. The spectrum is expected to show a collective Thomson scattering signal as the parameter ranges are within the collective regime. The collective Thomson spectrum allows us to extract valuable information about the plasma's electron density and temperature. We discuss the key components of the laser system, including the laser source, optics, and detectors, highlighting their roles in achieving accurate and reliable Thomson scattering measurements.