Analysis of Low Frequency Fluctuations in an Arc Discharge Column

Abstract

The main objectives of this paper are the theoretical and experimental investigations of low frequency fluctuations in a weakly turbulent plasma generated by a hollow cathode arc discharge. The dispersion characteristics of the weakly plasma turbulence caused by the electro-static ion cyclotron instability was derived. The derivation of the analysis is based on the kinetic model. The experimental observations were found to be in good agreement with our theoretical predictions.