Observation of Plasma Rotation Produced by an Electrodeless Plasma Gun

Abstract

Rotation of plasma produced by a conical θ‐pinch coil fired down the axis of a longitudinal magnetic field is investigated. It is found that rotation is observed whenever the magnetic field in the θ‐pinch coil is permitted to change sign and is absent whenever it is crowbarred. Rotational velocity agrees with the measured E_r/B_z values within experimental error. Possible explanations of the origin of the rotation are discussed.