Probes to measure kinetic and magnetic phenomena in plasmas

Abstract

Diagnostic tools are of fundamental importance in experimental research. In plasma physics, probes are usually used to obtain the plasma parameters, such as density, temperature, electromagnetic fields, and waves. This Review focuses on low-temperature plasma diagnostics where in situ probes can be used. Examples of in situ and remote diagnostics will be shown, proven by many experimental verifications. This Review starts with Langmuir probes and then continues with other diagnostics such as waves, beams, and particle collectors, which can provide high accuracy. A basic energy analyzer has been advanced to measure distribution functions with three-dimensional velocity resolution, three directions in real space and time resolution. The measurement of the seven-dimensional distribution function is the basis for understanding kinetic phenomena in plasma physics. Non-Maxwellian distributions have been measured in magnetic reconnection experiments, scattering of beams, wakes of ion beams, etc. The next advance deals with the diagnostics of electromagnetic effects. It requires magnetic probes that simultaneously resolve three field components, measured in three spatial directions and with time resolution. Such multi-variable data unambiguously yield field topologies and related derivatives. Examples will be shown for low frequency whistler modes, which are force-free vortices, flux ropes, and helical phase rotations. Thus, with advanced probes, large data acquisition and fast processing further advance in the fields of kinetic plasma physics and electromagnetic phenomena can be expected. The transition from probes to antennas will also be stimulated. Basic research with new tools will also lead to new applications.

Резонансный Метод Измерения Концентрации Ионосферной Плазмы На Микроспутниках

“…В основе работы датчика лежит метод плазменного зонда с СВЧ-резонатором [19], успешно используемый в лабораторных плазменных стендах для моделирования электрофизических процессов в околоземной плазме [20]. Зонд представляет собой четвертьволновый резонатор на отрезке двухпроводной линии, закороченный на одном конце и разомкнутый на другом.…”

Resonance method for measuring ionospheric plasma density onboard microsatellites

“…The sensor operation is based on a method of the plasma probe with the UHF resonator [19], which is successfully used in the laboratory plasma benches for simulating the electrophysical processes in the near-Earth plasma [20]. The probe is a quarter wavelength resonator at a section of the two-wire line, which is closed at one end and open at the other.…”