Characterization and Overview of the Helcat (Helicon-Cathode) Dual Source Linear Plasma Device

Summary form only given. The HELCAT (helicon-cathode) device is a dual-source linear plasma device that has recently begun full operation at the University of New Mexico. HELCAT is 4 m long, 50 cm diameter, with axial magnetic field < 2.2 kG. An RF helicon source of tunable frequency 10 -30 MHz and P < 5 kW, resides at one end of the device, while a thermionic BaO-Ni cathode capable of discharge currents up to 2.5 kA is located at the other end. Nominal parameters are: T_e ~ 5 -10 eV, n_e ~ 10¹² /cc (cathode), 10¹³ - 10¹⁴ /cc (helicon), plasma diameter 15-20 cm. An overview of the device characteristics and initial experimental results are presented.