Current Status: October 4, 2001
Oct., 2001 - ALEXIS device now operational!
We have begun regular plasma operations in the upgraded ALEXIS device. Images showing the first measurements are shown via the link above. One of the two magnet power supplies is not working and is being returned to the manufacturer for repairs. This limits present operations to lower magnetic fields (B ~ 160 - 200 Gauss).
Current Status: April 18, 2001
An initial vacuum test of ALEXIS was performed just before spring break. On the first try, the vessel held to roughing pressure p ~ 5 mTorr. Additional power has been added to the laboratory for the power supplies and the final touches are being put on the water cooling systems and safety systems. The newest set of upgrade photos show the progress that has been made.
Current Status: Feb. 25, 2001
The vacuum vessel has been remounted on its new support frame. The new electromagnets have been installed and are currently being wired to the power supplies. The university has completed the installation of new water cooling lines into the laboratory and the ALEXIS local cooling looping is being installed. Provided progress continues at the current rate, we expect to have an initial pumpdown of the vacuum vessel by Spring Break (end of March), 2001.
During Spring, 2000, the ALEXIS device will undergo a major upgrade. The redesigned ALEXIS device will be approximately 1.8 meters long with a 10 cm diameter chamber. It will be used to expand our investigations of the effects of driven plasma rotation on the propagation of waves. Specific emphasis will be placed on characterizing the role of the direction of the radial electric field during plasma rotation.
Below is an almost complete drawing to the ALEXIS upgrade.