Comparing experiments with modeling for light ion helicon plasma sources

Results from a coupled radio frequency (RF) and transport model were compared with experiments in the axially inhomogeneous Mini-Radio Frequency Test Facility. The model indicated that power losses in the plasma edge, through inductive coupling mechanisms near the antenna can become parasitic to the helicon's operation at high-density and high magnetic field. It was found that the ponderomotive force can become significant near the edge of the plasma and downstream from the discharge, where a lower hybrid resonance existed.