An ERAU plasma experiment relevant to MHD instability and magnetized reconnection study and its application to ion heating in adiabatic compression*

We introduce a plasma experiment facility in the physical sciences department at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU). A newly installed plasma gun, planned diagnostic instruments, and experimental plans will be presented. This facility provides students, plasma physics and engineering communities with various opportunities in the central Florida area. This new laboratory experiment is developed to specialize in the study of magnetohydrodynamics instability, magnetic reconnection, and the development of experimental diagnostic instruments. In addition, this experiment will be explored in the context of adiabatic compression to observe ion heating during the magnetic reconnection process and secondary adiabatic compression. As a new experimental facility developed by an assistant professor at ERAU, invaluable discussion and input are desired.