PIC Simulations of Multipole Plasma Trap – Loading and Diagnostics

This project seeks to model loading and diagnostics in the multipole plasma trap to determine their effectiveness, perturbative effects, and general dynamics. In particular, the particle-in-cell (PIC) program VSim 10.0 from the TechX Corporation will be used [3]. Perturbations from loading the trap or placing a plasma diagnostic (i.e. a Langmuir Probe) will be analyzed to ensure the trap remains effective while being loaded and measured. By completing this analysis, a proof of concept MPT will become feasible and measurements could be done on this novel device. The importance of this project lies in the ability to trap plasma in a new way, which could possibly lead to effective trapping methods for teaching purposes, high temperature/density plasma research, or even relevance to apparatus used in nuclear fusion energy research.