title: Apparatus for generating quasi-free-space microwave-driven plasmas.
abstract: An apparatus for generating quasi-free-space microwave-driven plasmas has been designed, constructed, and tested. The plasma is driven by a multi-kW, ∼5 GHz microwave beam focused at the center of a vacuum chamber using a Koch-type metal plate lens. Sustained plasma discharges have been generated in argon at pressures ranging from 150 to 200 mTorr, at beam power levels ranging from 5 to 10 kW, and at gas flow rates of approximately 200 SCCM.
authors.affiliation: Directed Energy Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico 87117, USA.
authors.forename: Brad W
authors.initials: BW
authors.lastname: Hoff
authors.affiliation: Directed Energy Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico 87117, USA.
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: French
authors.affiliation: Directed Energy Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico 87117, USA.
authors.forename: Remington R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Reid
authors.affiliation: Directed Energy Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico 87117, USA.
authors.forename: Julie E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Lawrance
authors.affiliation: Leidos, 2109 Air Park Road SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106, USA.
authors.forename: P David
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Lepell
authors.affiliation: Directed Energy Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico 87117, USA.
authors.forename: Sabrina S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Maestas