Observation of Electron Density Rollover in Hydrogen Plasma Produced with DT-ALPHA Device

The rollover of electron density, a common indicator for the onset of volumetric recombination, was observed in hydrogen plasma, for the first time in the DT-ALPHA. Electron density and electron temperature were measured near the plasma production region and secondary gas feeding position with various conditions regarding the amount of hydrogen secondary gas. A rollover of electron density was observed at the secondary gas feeding position, whereas electron density near the plasma production region remained nearly constant. This behavior indicates an enhancement of hydrogen molecular-activated recombination.