Session GP1 - Poster Session IV.
POSTER session, Tuesday afternoon, October 30
Exhibit Hall B,
We are developing a new technique for measuring the magnetic field-line topology in magnetically confined plasmas. The basic idea behind FLIRT (Field LIne TRacing Diagnostic) is to use a high-power short-pulse laser to launch a burst of energetic (~100keV) electrons from a target passing through the plasma of interest. These electrons then generally follow field lines until they strike a solid surface, where a burst of x-rays is produced. Field line connection length can be determined from the time delay between the laser pulse and the burst of x-rays. The topology of the field lines can be inferred by measuring the connection length as a function of initial target location inside the plasma. The spatial distribution of the x-ray production may provide information on magnetic field fluctuations and stochasticity. We will measure electron yield with a high power laser striking suitable targets. We will test electron propagation in the SSPX spheromak plasma edge by injecting electrons with an electron gun. This work was performed under the auspices of the USDOE by UCLLNL under contract No. W-7405-Eng-48