Development of probe diagnostics for EM wave measurements in the ALEXIS and MDPX devices*

The Auburn Linear Experiment for Instability Studies (ALEXIS) and the Magnetized Dusty Plasma Experiment (MDPX) are both capable of generating magnetized plasmas that can support a variety of plasma instabilities and waves. In particular, both ALEXIS and MDPX have configurations in which strong density gradients can appear in the plasma.  Specific diagnostic tools are required to fully investigate these phenomena. The goal of this project is to develop probe diagnostics for investigating electrostatic and electromagnetic waves in ALEXIS and MDPX. We will construct B-dot probes to measure the magnetic field fluctuations . These probes will be used in experiments that measure various types of EM plasma waves, such as Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron (EMIC), and Alfven waves. Preliminary work will focus on developing a wave launching system to be used within ALEXIS, where we will attempt to measure the launched waves with our B-dot probes. Future work will involve transferring the probes to MDPX to be used in high-magnetic field experiments.