Longitudinal current in the startup plasma of the AMBAL-M device

In experimental studies of the startup plasma in the end system of the AMBA L-M device, it is found that a longitudinal electron current of similar to 1 kA flows along the plasma stream during the plasma-source discharge. The radial profiles of the current density in several cross sections are measur ed by a movable magnetic probe. Near the plasma source, the current density profile is annular in shape, which is related to the geometry of the disch arge channel; as the distance from the source increases, the inner part of the plasma stream is gradually filled with the current.