Supersonic ExB Rotation in a Highly Ionized, Low Temperature Plasma*

We have built an apparatus to study electron rotation in low temperature plasmas with magnetized electrons and unmagnetized ions. We use a magnetic coil and an electrode to induce electron ExB rotation in a highly ionized low temperature plasma which is supplied by a Hall thruster that we are using as a plasma source. We are interested in studying effects that occur in the plasma when the electron rotation speed approaches the thermal speed of the electrons.