Plasma measurements with the TMX-U E∥B end-loss-ion spectrometers

Two E∥B end-loss-ion spectrometers (ELIS) are now making plasma measurements on tandem mirror experiment-upgrade (TMX-U). One instrument is mounted on each end of this open-ended tandem-mirror machine. These spectrometers observe plasma losses along magnetic-field lines. They operate reliably and with a minimum of attention during an experimental run. Their data, which are quickly acquired and analyzed, help guide the experimental sequence. The parallel electric and magnetic fields separate the end-loss ions according to mass (D+ and H+) and energy. Each spectrometer detects ions with an array of 128 flat collector plates that are made from copper-coated G10 epoxy fiberglass, normally used for printed-circuit boards. The ELIS diagnostic system produces a wealth of experimental information, including data on peak plasma potential, central-cell ion temperature, potentials in the thermal-barrier region, axial confinement and ion-end-loss plugging, energetic-electron losses, and hydrogen/deuterium concentrations.