Theory of applied-/ital B/ ion diodes

Journal Article · Tue Aug 01 00:00:00 EDT 1989 · Phys Fluids B; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.858950· OSTI ID:5939270

Desjarlais, M P

A recently introduced theory of applied-/ital B/ ion diodes (Phys. Rev. Lett. /bold 59/, 2295 (1987)) is developed and presented in detail. The theory incorporates the self-consistent virtual cathode motion to obtain the steady-state ion current as a function of diode voltage. The existence of a limiting voltage at which the ion current diverges is demonstrated. The voltage--current characteristics of the diode are combined with a simple circuit model of the accelerator to calculate the operating point of the diode. The theoretical results are in good agreement with experimental data at peak power. An important consequence of the theory is a relation between the limiting diode voltage and the insulating magnetic flux, suggesting a late-time voltage decay driven by flux penetration into the anode plasma.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87185(US)
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• OSTI ID: 5939270
• Journal Information: Phys Fluids B; (United States), Vol. 1:8
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND SUPERFLUIDITY
THERMIONIC DIODES
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
CATHODES
CORRELATIONS
ION DRIFT
STEADY-STATE CONDITIONS
DIODE TUBES
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
ELECTRODES
ELECTRON TUBES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
THERMIONIC TUBES
640410* - Fluid Physics- General Fluid Dynamics