Development of magnetic field mapping via heavy ion beam spectral imaging

Mapping magnetic fields via heavy ion beam spectral imaging relies upon establishing a high quality ion beam, identifying beam emission at wavelengths favorable for imaging, and designing an appropriate imaging configuration. Identifying emission lines suitable for imaging is difficult due to intense, broadband radiation of the target reversed field pinch plasma. To compensate, we have worked to raise the beam emission intensity. Simulations of the beam optics and characteristics have led to a technique that achieves a narrower beam and increased ion current at the plasma. Additionally, we are developing computer vision tools to reconstruct beam trajectories based on various camera and system configurations. We simulate charge coupled device images of the vessel interior and beam trajectories, and reconstruct three dimensional trajectories from image pairs. Analysis of the simulated images will guide the system specifications. We present results of the beam optics and camera simulations, surveys of radiation, and status of the diagnostic. © 2004 American Institute of Physics. [DOI: 10.1063/1.1789595]