Enhanced radial transport of electrons due to the inwardly-directed strong radial electric field in a magnetized filamentary plasma

Radial cross-field plasma transport has been experimentally investigated in a steady-state magnetized filamentary plasma which is terminated by a biased end-plate. It has been observed that the plasma expansion across the axial magnetic field is significantly enhanced as the end-plate bias potential V-E is increased more positively. The enhanced plasma expansion is caused by the boosted radial transport of electrons due to strong electrostatic fluctuations. These fluctuations appear to be triggered by the enhancement of the inwardly-directed radial electric field as V-E is biased more positively.