First Results from the Phase Space Mapping Experiment

A new experiment, called the PHAse Space MApping (PHASMA) experiment, features laser induced fluorescence diagnostics for ion measurements, Thomson scattering diagnostics for electron velocity distribution function measurements, and a microwave scattering system for turbulence measurements. PHASMA is designed to enable the direct measurement of ion and electron vdfs in space-relevant plasma phenomena including reconnection, shocks, and turbulence. To create the conditions necessary for different experimental regimes, PHASMA employs a 2 kW, steady-state helicon source capable of generating variable-density background hydrogen, helium, argon, krypton, and xenon plasmas with controllable plasma pressure (relative to the magnetic pressure), collisionality, and azimuthal flow shear. Reconnecting flux ropes arise through the merging of discharges from two pulsed plasma guns.