The effect of negative ions on the diffusion of a potassium plasma in a magnetic field

The diffusion of a potassium plasma in a magnetic field has been investigated under conditions in which a relatively targe fraction of the electrons is attached to SF6 molecules. The experiments were performed in a double-ended Q-machine. Upon collision with a negative ion, the K+ ions experience a displacement across the magnetic field of the order of their gyroradius, leading to an enhancement in the rate of cross field diffusion over that expected in an ordinary K+-electron plasma.