Study of a supersonic magnetized plasma jet with a magnetic probe array

Presented is a method to observe magnetic field strengths in a three-dimensional volume above a pulsed plasma source. This source will produce a plasma which exhibits phenomena under investigation: plasma instabilities and magnetic reconnection. They are processes in which a portion of magnetic field energy is transferred into kinetic or thermal energy of a plasma. By observing the topology of the magnetic field at different locations over many pulses, a three-dimensional vector space can be built up of the plasma as it evolves over time. The magnetic field observations will be performed with a calibrated magnetic field probe array (MPA). By interpreting these data over key parameter variations, construction of an empirical model will be suggested. In addition, prediction will be made with an artificial Intelligence (AI) technique to supplement the experimental results so as to find optimal heating and acceleration regions. The AI-based optimization of parameters may be intrinsic to system geometry, and may need adjustment for dissimilar architecture. This study will investigate the fundamental plasma physics and the drivers of reconnection, and may lead to a better understanding of the dynamics of the corona of our star and plasma. Besides that, this study will also be utilized to improve the pulsed plasma propulsion technology.