Lithium-argon discharges in a multicusp-ECR microwave resonant cavity

Journal Article · Fri Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1995 · IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/27.476491· OSTI ID:203670

Brooks, C B; Brake, M L ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States). Dept. of Nuclear Engineering

A newly designed multicusp-ECR microwave resonant cavity is being used as a lithium plasma source. Lithium plasma sources have a variety of applications in nuclear fusion research. As a source of ions or neutrals for beams, they are utilized in diagnostics and fueling of magnetic confinement fusion. Argon and lithium-argon discharges have been created in a multicusp-ECR microwave resonant cavity. A double Langmuir probe has been used to determine discharge characteristics, indicating ion densities of 10{sup 10}--10{sup 11} cm{sup {minus}3} and electron temperatures of about 3 eV with operating pressures of 4--20 mtorr and input powers of 100--250 W. Lithium is introduced to the system in the form of lithium chloride or lithium carbonate which is then heated by a background argon discharge allowing dissociation of lithium. The dissociation is evidenced by the observation of strong Li-I lines in the discharge using optical emission spectroscopy. LiCl was found to give a strong Li-I optical signal for about 15 min run time whereas Li{sub 2}CO{sub 3} gave lower intensity lines, but for about 60 min run time.

• DOE Contract Number: FG02-92ER75789
• OSTI ID: 203670
• Journal Information: IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science, Journal Name: IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 23; ISSN ITPSBD; ISSN 0093-3813
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
CAVITY RESONATORS
HIGH-FREQUENCY DISCHARGES
ION SOURCES
MICROWAVE EQUIPMENT
NEUTRAL BEAM SOURCES
PLASMA DIAGNOSTICS
PLASMA PRODUCTION
THERMONUCLEAR REACTOR FUELING
USES