The plasma rotation in the axial magnetic field of the linear machine Mistral [A. Escarguel, Eur. Phys. J. D 56, 209 (2010)] is well described by the assumption that the electrons injected from the source exit radially from the central column and are subject to the Lorentz force. Electrons and ions rotate together by ambipolarity. The solution of the momentum equations foresees correctly the observed radial dependence of the ionic radial velocity measured by laser induced fluorescence. The resolution of these equations is also in good agreement with the measured dependence of the rotation frequency on the applied magnetic field and on the background pressure.

The low-frequency instability of a magnetized plasma column and the existence of a rotating peripheral plasma are shown to be correlated with a radial cross-field electron current. The direct observation of the rotating plasma is obtained using an ultrafast intensified camera. The ionizing electrons injected along the axis of the plasma column contribute to the accumulation of negative charges when the axial collector is at floating potential. The required neutrality leads to the continuous radial expulsion of both energetic and thermal electrons and to the formation of a rotating plasma channel.

The frequent situation where a strongly nonlinear rotating structure develops in a linear magnetized plasma column is investigated experimentally with emphasis on the ion velocity distribution function (IVDF). Most often, a mode m=2 appears exhibiting a large density and potential perturbation with angular frequency slightly above the ion cyclotron frequency. For the first time the spatiotemporal evolution of the IVDF is studied using time-resolved laser induced fluorescence to explore the ion's interaction with the nonlinear wave propagating inside the column and at the origin of plasma transport outside the limiter. The ion fluid exhibits an alternance from azimuthal to radial velocity due to the electric field inside the rotating structure. A fluid model also allows us to locally reconstruct the self-consistent electric field evolution which contradicts all existing theories.

The spatial evolution of the 1s5 metastable argon atom velocity distribution function is recorded in the sheath and pre-sheath regions of a metallic wall using laser induced fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy. Metastable argon atom temperature and fluid velocity are computed from measured data. Owing to the loss of metastable argon atom after a collision with the surface, the atom temperature seemingly decreases and the velocity increases when approaching the wall. These artifacts are carefully examined and explained in terms of changes in the metastable argon atom distribution function. In addition, the atom nonelastic reflection coefficient is computed from the ratio of outward to inward atom flux to the surface. This study indicates less than 1% of metastable atoms survive a collision with the metallic wall.