The effect of negative ions on the diffusion of a potassium plasma in a magnetic field

The diffusion of a potassium plasma in a magnetic field has been investigated under conditions in which a relatively large fraction of the electrons is attached to molecules. The experiments were performed in a double-ended Q-machine. Upon collision with a negative ion, the ions experience a displacement across the magnetic field of the order of their gyroradius, leading to an enhancement in the rate of cross field diffusion over that expected in an ordinary - electron plasma.