Dual-Source Operation of the HelCat (Helicon-Cathode) Device*

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} \quad \sim $ 5 -- 10 eV, n$_{e} \quad \sim $ 10$^{18}$ m$^{-3}$ (cathode), 10$^{19}$-10$^{20}$ m$^{-3}$ (helicon), plasma diameter 15 -- 20 cm. Diagnostics now online include electrostatic and magnetic probes, mm wave interferometry, visible spectroscopy, Mach probes, and LIF. We present first results of operation with both sources simultaneously.