The linear plasma device VINETA (Versatile Instrument for studies on Nonlinearity, Electromagnetism, Turbulence and Applications) has a modular concept. Each module has a length of about 1 m, an inner diameter of about 0.4 m and is surrounded by eight magnetic field coils. Coil position and coil currents can be set separately such homogeneous magnetic fields or effects of flux expansion or compression can be studied. The plasma is created by a helicon antenna allowing for high density plasmas. Standard diagnostics are Langmuir probes.
Linear devices like VINETA are often used to study scrape-off layer related physics. Densities and electron temperature can be very similar to those in the scrape-off layer of fusion devices. As in the scrape-off layer the field lines are not closed and have contact to a wall. Indeed, similar instabilities occur as in the edge of fusion devices. However, effects of the curvature are not present and the power flux and ion temperature are much lower.

Main research topics are
turbulent transport

• the transition to turbulence
• turbulent self-sustainment
• intermittency
• sub-, super- and diffusive transport
• local and non-local transport

helicon physics

• propagation and absorption of helicon waves
• Neutral particle depletion      

VINETA moved from IPP to the university in 2022. Electricity and water supply were provided in October 2024. The first helicon plasma in one module was ignited on 11.12.2024.

project manager Dr. Stefan Knauer