Interaction between an axisymmetric jet of plasma and a magnetic field generated by concentric current loops is studied experimentally. With a large Hall parameter, electrons are confined to the converging-diverging lines of force. The maximum Hall parameter for electrons is greater than 30. Measurements are made of the electric potential, ion density, electron temperature, and ion velocity. The flow of charged particles is found to be aligned with the magnetic lines of force with a slip relative to neutral atoms. The ion is compressed electromagnetically and is pumped to flow over a potential barrier formed near the center of the coil. The maximum velocity of ions at the exit of the magnetic nozzle is greater than that expected from an isentropic expansion. This extraordinary speed of ions is accounted for in terms of the electrostatic acceleration. In the magnetic channel the energy equation for ions is coupled with the energy equation for electrons.
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Kuriki et al. (1970) studied this question.