A deconvolution technique for B-dot signals from a plasma-driven electromagnetic launcher

A novel technique is being developed to quantify the current distribution in the plasma armature of an electromagnetic launcher (EML). The technique relies on data from B-dot probes inserted above the barrel of an EML. The current distribution is found by taking the fast Fourier transform of the integral of the B-dot signal and deconvolving it with a geometry-dependent weight function. The result allows calculation of the total plasma length and total current magnitude. The author describes the signal-analysis technique, discusses results obtained from theoretical B-dot signals, and suggests possible sources of error which may be encountered when deconvolving experimental B-dot signals