Virtual Classroom

Learn about the operation of the Swarthmore Spheromak Experiment and other basic plasma physics topics (all notes prepared by Professor Brown)

SSX

Typical plasma parameter scalings in SSX [pdf]

Basic Plasma Examples underlying the operation of SSX [pdf]

A Hamiltonian model of the plasma gun used on SSX [pdf]

Generalized Ohm's Law on SSX [pdf]

Basic Plasma Physics

Ionization, Debye Length and Plasma Frequency [pdf]

Particle Orbits [pdf]

Important Length Scales [pdf]

Diffusivity [pdf]

Resistivity [pdf]

The Dimensionless Ratio β [pdf]

Alpha Scaling [pdf]

Astrophysical Topics

Sweet-Parker Reconnection [pdf]

Turbulence

Kolmogorov Inertial Range Scaling [pdf]

Diagnostics

Retarding Grid Energy Analyzer [pdf]