M=+1 mode helicon wave excitation using solenoid antenna

Abstract

In most helicon wave experiments, there has been a poor agreement between the theoretical wave power deposition and the plasma density radial profiles. The characteristics of the solenoid antenna employed for the excitation of m = 1 mode helicon waves are investigated. A cylindrical high density plasma column with high intensity ArII emission is observed to be of a cylindrical shell shape. In cross section, the location of the high intensity column nearly coincides with the maximum point of wave power deposition. The wave magnetic field radial profiles agree well with computations. These results show an excellent agreement between the theory and density profile produced by the m = 1 helicon wave.