A series of experiments, designed to help characterize the behavior of an analytical spark discharge in an external pulsed magnetic field, is described. Results include controlled formation and deformation of a spark's post-discharge torus utilizing different magnetic field configurations. One manifestation of this research was discovery of a new filamentary structure which extends from the spark conducting channel to the magnet pole face(s). These features were investigated via their refracted light (Schlieren) and spectroscopic (time/space/wavelength-resolved) properties. Practical ramifications of this control are discussed.
Detection of spark discharges in an agitated Mars dust simulant isolated from foreign surfaces
