Control of low-frequency plasma instabilities by a nonuniform radial electric field

Abstract
Flute instability of a magnetoplasma is generated and controlled experimentally by a nonuniform weak radial electric field. Six concentric electrodes, biased separately, are used to change the radial electric field. The instability, which is different from the velocity shear flute instability, is observed in a plasma with well‐type potential and hill‐type density profiles.