Study on a plasma jet experiencing MHD instabilities leading to ion heating at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University*

We present the progress of the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU)'s plasma jet experiment. This jet undergoes an MHD instability that leads to in ion heating. Our goal is to achieve the high efficiency of ion heating using the energy transfer mechanism associated with plasma fluid and kinetic instability. The experiments have been conducted using ERAU's co-planar plasma gun. Various diagnostic methods such as Thomson scattering, an interferometer, a B-dot probe, and ion-Doppler broadening spectroscopy are being used to quantitatively study ion heating associated with MHD instabilities and magnetic reconnection. We highly value any discussions and input on this matter.