Enhancement of electric force by ion-neutral collisions

Journal Article · Mon Nov 02 00:00:00 EST 2009 · Applied Physics Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3257694· OSTI ID:21294414

Makrinich, G; Fruchtman, A ^[1]

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1. H.I.T.-Holon Institute of Technology, 52 Golomb St., Holon 58102 (Israel)

The measured force exerted on an ion flow by an electric field is found to be larger than the electric force that can be exerted if the ions are collisionless. In addition, the increase of the gas pressure is found to result in an increase of the electric force despite a simultaneous decrease of the deposited electric power. Employing a simple model, we argue that these experimental findings result from the electric force being felt by the ions for a longer time, their residence time in the acceleration region is increased due to their slowing-down collisions with neutrals.

• OSTI ID: 21294414
• Journal Information: Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 95, Issue 18; Other Information: DOI: 10.1063/1.3257694; (c) 2009 American Institute of Physics; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0003-6951
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ACCELERATION
ELECTRIC FIELDS
ELECTRIC POWER
ION COLLISIONS
PLASMA
SLOWING-DOWN