PHASMA has the unique capability of performing direct in situ, non-perturbative, three-dimensional measurements of ion velocity and electron velocity distribution functions at kinetic scales in space-relevant plasmas.
A velocity distribution measurement is a measurement of the entire range of speeds of all the particles of one of the species in the plasma, i.e., ions or electrons. From the velocity distribution function measurement, it is possible to calculate the density, average flow, and temperature of each species. The plasmas in which these measurements are to be performed are specifically designed to reflect key properties of plasmas that occur naturally in outer space.
Two flux ropes
Plasma from a single plasma gun
PHASMA combined existing apparatus and diagnostics with new components to create a unique new facility for plasma research at West Virginia University and major construction was completed in 2019.
A view through the PHASMA target chamber into argon plasma generated in the helicon source
A helium plasma in the Compact HElIcon and Waves Experiment (CHEWIE)
An end view of a helium plasma in CHEWIE
Magnetized plasma sheath forming in front of a conducting boundary in the Hot heLIcon eXperiment (HELIX)
The Space Instrument Test cHamber (SITH) used for calibrating space flight instruments
Helium cold atmospheric-pressure plasma jet exhibiting spatially nonuniform structure near the plasma plume boundary.
Cold atmospheric-pressure argon plasma exciting ambient oxygen.
Inductively-coupled chlorine plasma.
Capacitively-coupled argon plasma.
Cold atmospheric-pressure argon plasma showing the formation and propagation of filamentary plasma streamers.
Cold atmospheric-pressure helium plasma jet incident on a fingertip, illustrating its low-temperature, non-thermal operation and suitability for direct contact with biological tissue.