Shorting time of magnetically insulated reflex-ion diodes from the neutral-atom charge-exchange mechanism
In a magnetically insulated diode, collision-free electrons return to the cathode and no electron current is present at the anode. Electron transport to the anode is studied in this paper. Steady-state space-charge-limited flow is assumed initially. Breakdown of ion flow occurs when static neutral atoms at the anode undergo charge exchange, which results in neutral atoms drifting across the diode. These are subsequently ionized by reflexing ions producing electrons trapped in Larmor orbits throughout the diode. These electrons drift to the anode via ionization and inelastic collisions with other neutral atoms. Model calculations compare the effects of foil and mesh cathodes. Steady-state space-charge-limited ion current densities are calculated. The neutral atom density at the cathode is determined as a function of time. The shorting time of the diode is scaled versus the electrode separation d, the diode potential V/sub 0/, the magnetic field, and the initial concentration of static neutron atoms.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States); Georgia Univ., Athens (USA). Dept. of Physics and Astronomy
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 5182114
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-53199; ON: DE82007733; TRN: 82-014593
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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