Analysis of MHD Behaviour by Using Optical Detectors in the GAMMA 10 Tandem Mirror

In the GAMMA 10 tandem mirror, the low frequency fluctuations are studied in relation to plasma parameters. By using optical detectors in the central cell, the flute-like instabilities with m = −1 are analyzed. The plasma column rotates as a rigid body in the direction of the E × B drift. It has been observed that instabilities can be suppressed by inserting conducting plates into the plasma periphery at the outer transition region between the anchor and the plug/barrier cells. The plasma stabilization mechanism of the conducting plates is studied.