Alfvén wave propagation in a helicon plasma

Alfvén wave propagation in a helicon plasma is being studied in the Auburn Linear Experiment for Space Plasma Investigations. The helicon discharge provides the high-density plasma necessary to propagate Alfvén waves. Shear Alfvén waves are produced in this discharge by means of an inductive coil positioned to oscillate the magnetic field perpendicular to the background field lines. The waves are detected by means of a second inductive coil positioned down the plasma column. Initial investigations demonstrate the propagation of shear Alfvén waves within the plasma through the localization of the oscillations along the magnetic-field lines and the expected phase velocity of the waves.