Resonance condition of a toroidal plasma accelerator simulated by a glow discharge

The purpose of the study was to determine magnetic induction required for attaining the resonance state of an accelerator simulated by a toroidal glow discharge in a radial magnetic field. The axial intensity of the electric field in the positive column of the discharge was measured as well as the loss factor characteristic of the effect of the residual gas on the plasma movement. The experimental results show that for the given type of accelerator plasma velocities of the order of hundreds of meters per second may be attained, which is insufficient for inducing the resonance state. The glow discharge, therefore, is not suitable for producing high plasma velocities. (J.K.)