Can Plasma Filamentation be Achieved with Magnetic Fields?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the possibility of achieving plasma filamentation through the application of magnetic fields. Participants explore the theoretical and practical aspects of manipulating ionized plasma, including potential methods and relevant concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether applying certain magnetic fields to ionized plasma can create filaments, seeking confirmation and methods to determine the appropriate magnetic fields.
  • Another participant suggests that filaments can be manipulated easily, referencing a practical experiment with a plasma lamp.
  • A subsequent participant emphasizes the need for detailed explanations, calculations, or references on how to convert newly ionized plasma into filaments.
  • One participant recommends searching for information on Z-pinch as a relevant concept for the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the feasibility of achieving plasma filamentation with magnetic fields, and multiple viewpoints and questions remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks detailed assumptions about the conditions required for plasma filamentation and does not clarify the specific definitions of terms used, such as "filament" and "Z-pinch." There are also unresolved mathematical steps related to the application of magnetic fields.

Physicist50
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Hi guys,

To celebrate my 29th post (I know!) I wanted to ask an extra-good question, something I've been meaning to ask for a long time... So, following on from my previous post 'Plasma Condensation' (Hm, wonder what I'm studying?) I am going to ask something about something I read in Wikipedia (talk about dodgy sources) that - fingers-crossed - is true. See Here. The article said that applying certain magnetic fields to a plasma can somehow take advantage of the fact that the molecules are ionised and thus rendering it a sort of filament. A: Is this possible? and B: If yes to A how could I work out/find out what magnetic fields to apply?

Thanks in advance - if you answered my question - otherwise, meh. (Meaning a short dismissive grunt)
 
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The filaments can move just by waving your hand! You need to get your parents to buy you a plasma lamp to test this out.
 
Good point, but I really need to know how to turn a newly ionized plasma into a filament in the first place. Explanations, calculations or references of how to do this is perfect.
 
You can search Z-pinch, you should find the relevant info.
 
Wow, thanks maxime.lesur!
 

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