This week, we are lucky to be joined by Avi Milder, from the University of Rochester, who will be talking about “Measurements of non-Maxwellian electron velocity distribution functions using Thomson scattering” (abstract below). Avi will be joining us remotely, although we plan to simultaneously broadcast the seminar in B741 as we have for previous seminars. The seminar is at the normal time (3 PM, Wednesday).

Measurements of non-Maxwellian electron velocity distribution functions using Thomson scattering

Thomson scattering is a workhorse diagnostic for the plasma physics community frequently used to measure plasma temperatures and densities. In the non-collective regime Thomson scattering is known to measure the electron velocity distribution function. Here we show how collective Thomson scattering has been used to infer and directly measure the electron velocity distribution function through development of a novel form of Thomson scattering, angularly resolved Thomson scattering. This technique is being further developed to allow measurement of the two-dimensional electron velocity distribution. Measurements of the electron distribution function have been used to gain a better understanding of inverse bremsstrahlung heating, ionization kinetics, cross-beam energy transfer, and the return current instability.