Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
plasma, capillary discharge x-ray laser, PPM, Piecewise Parabolic Method
College
Physical and Mathematical Sciences
Department
Physics and Astronomy
Abstract
The Capillary Discharge X-Ray Laser Experiment attempts to create a laser using a small capillary tube of plasma. The apparatus consists of a small soda straw-sized cylinder of gas placed between two electrodes. Approximately 25-100 kV applied across the electrodes ionizes the gas, producing a medium in which lasing can occur. The strong currents flowing through the gas create extreme conditions which are very difficult to model using typical fluid computer codes. The current Fortran code used to model the plasma fails under these conditions, so a new, more robust code is being developed. This new program is based on the Piecewise Parabolic Method (PPM) developed by Collela and Woodward and modified by Rachel Berg. The method’s resilience and accuracy in treating steep discontinuities made PPM seem ideal for this case.
Recommended Citation
Gifford, Dawn K. and Spencer, Dr. Ross
(2013)
"MODELING THE PLASMA IN A CAPILLARY DISCHARGE X-RAY LASER,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013:
Iss.
1, Article 2777.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/2777