Develop a Multipole Plasma Trap (MPT) mechanical and electrical model using Solidworks and COMSOL Multiphysics

This project proposal, which is a continuation of an ongoing project proposed and awarded for summer research, is to develop a Multipole Plasma Trap (MPT) mechanical and electrical model using Solidworks (CAD software) and COMSOL Multiphysics (simulation software). The MPT will be used to confine plasma in a vacuum chamber by creating electric fields in a configuration specified by the trap design. The design we are using is that of a spherical hexadecapole which will reside in the main vacuum chamber. The hexadecapole will be connected to a linear octupole, which will extend from within the main vacuum chamber to the outside through an auxiliary vacuum chamber. MPT radio-frequency (RF) electric fields are capable of trapping light ions, heavy ions, or electrons depending on the field parameters (frequency, voltage, trap size). The alternating RF field between neighboring multipole electrodes creates a net focusing force on charged particles that restores them to the trap center.

This project aligns with NASA’s strategic goals to expand human knowledge through new scientific discoveries, as creating an experimental Multipole Plasma Trap, i.e. an RF multipole field structure that traps a large volume of plasma compared to the electrode size, has not been done before. Advances in the field of plasma physics are becoming more and more critical as the world develops a greater need for alternative energy sources. The world's need for energy is growing ever larger. Conventional means of producing this energy have a disastrous impact on the environment. Nuclear fusion power is a promising alternative to conventional power generation methods, as it does not contribute to the greenhouse effect and its fuel source is virtually unlimited.[1] Plasma science is at the heart of nuclear fusion and advances in plasma research could be a game changer for the climate crisis.

This project will be led by myself (a student double majoring in mechanical and electrical engineering). Dr. Nathaniel Hicks (asst. professor of physics at UAA) is an expert in experimental and computational plasma physics and will mentor and oversee the project.

I anticipate the result of the project will be a COMSOL Multiphysics model of the Multipole Plasma Trap. This model will predict the electrical performance of the MPT structure and RF power supply, and will be used to optimize the experimental design and guide construction and testing of the experimental prototype.