Laboratory plasma devices for space physics investigation

Yu Liu; Peiyun Shi; Xiao Zhang; Jiuhou Lei; Weixing Ding

doi:10.1063/5.0021355

Laboratory plasma devices for space physics investigation

Review of Scientific Instruments ◽

10.1063/5.0021355 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 92 (7) ◽

pp. 071101

Author(s):

Yu Liu ◽

Peiyun Shi ◽

Xiao Zhang ◽

Jiuhou Lei ◽

Weixing Ding

Keyword(s):

Space Physics ◽

Laboratory Plasma

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Interrelationship between Lab, Space, Astrophysical, Magnetic Fusion, and Inertial Fusion Plasma Experiments

Atoms ◽

10.3390/atoms7010035 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 35

Author(s):

Mark Koepke

Keyword(s):

Laboratory Experiments ◽

Theoretical Models ◽

Space Physics ◽

Inertial Fusion ◽

Magnetic Fusion ◽

Fusion Plasma ◽

Laboratory Plasma ◽

Plasma Parameters ◽

Wide Range ◽

Laboratory Investigations

The objectives of this review are to articulate geospace, heliospheric, and astrophysical plasma physics issues that are addressable by laboratory experiments, to convey the wide range of laboratory experiments involved in this interdisciplinary alliance, and to illustrate how lab experiments on the centimeter or meter scale can develop, through the intermediary of a computer simulation, physically credible scaling of physical processes taking place in a distant part of the universe over enormous length scales. The space physics motivation of laboratory investigations and the scaling of laboratory plasma parameters to space plasma conditions, having expanded to magnetic fusion and inertial fusion experiments, are discussed. Examples demonstrating how laboratory experiments develop physical insight, validate or invalidate theoretical models, discover unexpected behavior, and establish observational signatures for the space community are presented. The various device configurations found in space-related laboratory investigations are outlined.

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A Case for Electron-Astrophysics

Experimental Astronomy ◽

10.1007/s10686-021-09761-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Daniel Verscharen ◽

Robert T. Wicks ◽

Olga Alexandrova ◽

Roberto Bruno ◽

David Burgess ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heat Flux ◽

High Heat ◽

White Paper ◽

Space Mission ◽

Space Physics ◽

High Heat Flux ◽

Kinetic Regime ◽

Laboratory Plasma ◽

Research Theme ◽

Selection Of

AbstractThe smallest characteristic scales, at which electron dynamics determines the plasma behaviour, are the next frontier in space and astrophysical plasma research. The analysis of astrophysical processes at these scales lies at the heart of the research theme of electron-astrophysics. Electron scales are the ultimate bottleneck for dissipation of plasma turbulence, which is a fundamental process not understood in the electron-kinetic regime. In addition, plasma electrons often play an important role for the spatial transfer of thermal energy due to the high heat flux associated with their velocity distribution. The regulation of this electron heat flux is likewise not understood. By focussing on these and other fundamental electron processes, the research theme of electron-astrophysics links outstanding science questions of great importance to the fields of space physics, astrophysics, and laboratory plasma physics. In this White Paper, submitted to ESA in response to the Voyage 2050 call, we review a selection of these outstanding questions, discuss their importance, and present a roadmap for answering them through novel space-mission concepts.

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