Space-resolved electron density and temperature evaluation by x-ray pinhole camera method in an ECR plasma.

X-ray emission characterization provides valuable insights about electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) plasmas. In principle, space-resolved spectroscopic techniques can be used to reveal spatial distributions of electron density and temperature. In the PANDORA (Plasma for Astrophysics, Nuclear Decay Observation, and Radiation for Archaeometry) project framework, and within the collaboration between the Atomki and INFN-LNS laboratories, we developed a high-resolution full-field x-ray pinhole setup. This setup incorporates advanced analysis techniques for single photon counted imaging in high dynamical range mode, enabling x-ray imaging and space-resolved spectroscopy at high spatial and energy resolution (560 μ m and 242 eV @ 8.1 keV, respectively). Here, we introduce an innovative technique for quantitatively evaluating the local electron density and temperature of plasma, as the first application of such a method in an ECR setup. Specifically, we examine an argon plasma heated by 200 W microwave power at 14 GHz. Our analysis includes a retrospective comparison with past x-ray data collected from other ECR ion source setups. Our findings clearly reveal the formation of a plasmoid–halo structure within the plasma chamber, characterized by a dense and hot plasma almost totally enclosed inside the ECR magnetic iso-surface (the plasmoid). This plasmoid exhibits nearly uniform distribution of electron density and temperature, with only gentle gradients of both the parameters toward its edges. Inside the halo, x-ray emission is minimal or even negligible. Notably, cusp structures correspond to magnetic branches where deconfined electrons impinge upon the plasma chamber walls and endplates. The average values of temperature and density measured inside the plasmoid are 12.44 ± 1.84 keV and (1.66 ± 0.15) × 10 17 m − 3 , respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]