Coaxial plasma accelerator with compressor coil and radial gas injection

A recently modified coaxial plasma accelerator with compressor coil is described. This plasma dynamic launcher is capable of accelerating particles in the mass range of 10^-10 to 10^-4 g to velocities up to 20 km/s and probably even higher. The test range, its energy storage system, its operating parameters, and the various electric and photographic diagnostic techniques are described. In addition, a description is given of a novel gas injection system and its diagnostics and operating characteristics. A recently developed dynamic pressure measurement technique which is used to determine the dynamic plasma pressure inside the accelerator is discussed. Transient pressures of the order of 10 kbar can be measured in an environment of currents of up to 50 kA and magnetic fields of up to 1 T, the time scale being of the order of 10 μs