Dynamic Behavior of Helicon Wave Produced Plasma

Exciting m=1 and -1 helical modes, the dynamic behavior of a helicon wave produced plasma is investigated. The RF (radio frequency) power dependence, antenna-plasma coupling, and time evolution of plasma parameters and Ar line intensities are studied in relation to the density jump, i. e., steep density increase to a level of 1013 cm-3 by an application of the input RF power more than 1 kW. Before the density jump, the excited wave is localized near the antenna, exhibiting a standing wave character. After the jump, this wave propagates outwards and a dispersion relation of the helicon wave is confirmed.