Magneto-acoustic oscillations as a plasma diagnostic technique for a current-carrying plasma column

Abstract

Magneto-acoustic oscillations were excited in a non-uniform, current-carrying plasma column. Measurements of the oscillating axial magnetic flux at a number of excitation frequencies were used to determine the equilibrium plasma properties. In agreement with previous theoretical studies, the radial profile of the plasma density is shown to be accurately determined, while it is not possible to obtain detailed information on the radial profile of the equilibrium magnetic field.