Nonlinear convective heat transport in multiple magnetized electron temperature filaments

Results are presented from a basic electron heat transport experiment consisting of multiple magnetized electron temperature filaments in close proximity. This arrangement samples cross-field transport from nonlinear drift-Alfven waves and is used to study elements of chaotic heat flow. Experiments are performed in the Large Plasma Device (LAPD) at the University of California. A biased LaB₆ cathode injects low energy electrons (below ionization energy) along a strong magnetic field into a pre-existing large and cold plasma forming an electron temperature filament embedded in a colder plasma, and far from the machine walls. A carbon masking plate with several holes is used to create 3 electron temperature filaments. Drift-Alfven and thermal waves from a single filament have been characterized and compared to previous studies with a different electron beam source. The 3-filament case exhibits a complex wave pattern and enhanced cross-field transport.