Experimental and simulation study of argon helicon discharge in multiple plasma simulation linear device (MPS-LD)

Abstract

Abstract To obtain a high-parameter plasma in the target region of a multiple plasma simulation linear device and to realize the experimental simulation environment of tokamak divertor plasma, experimental and numerical simulations of argon helicon discharge are carried out. Langmuir probes are used to diagnose the electron density (ne ) in the source and target regions with different experimental parameters (magnetic field, radio frequency power, puffing flow rate). A three-dimensional discharge model is developed using drift-diffusion equations of electron density and electron energy with the aid of COMSOL. Helicon discharge with a long straight plasma beam and a bright blue core is experimentally achieved. The simulation and experimental results are compared, validating the model. The corresponding spatial ne distribution is obtained, and the dependence of ne on the main experimental parameters is confirmed. The energy conversion relationship between the helicon and plasma is found. Helicon waves prefer to transfer energy to the plasma in the source region, where ne is significantly increased. This results in a strong ne gradient, which acts as a barrier to prevent the propagation of helicon waves. Therefore, localized standing helicon waves are formed, which limits the increase in plasma density in the target region. By increasing the magnetic field strength (B < 1500 G) and RF power (P < 1500 W), ne in the source region can be increased, but they have little effect on ne in the target region.