A Penning-assisted subkilovolt coaxial plasma source

Journal Article · Tue Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 2005 · Review of Scientific Instruments

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1855071· OSTI ID:20644121

Zhehui, Wang; Beinke, Paul D; Barnes, Cris W; Martin, Michael W; Mignardot, Edward; Wurden, Glen A; Hsu, Scott C; Intrator, Thomas P; Munson, Carter P ^[1]

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1. Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545 (United States)

A Penning-assisted 20 MW coaxial plasma source (plasma gun), which can achieve breakdown at sub-kV voltages, is described. The minimum breakdown voltage is about 400 V, significantly lower than previously reported values of 1-5 kV. The Penning region for electrons is created using a permanent magnet assembly, which is mounted to the inside of the cathode of the coaxial plasma source. A theoretical model for the breakdown is given. A 900 V 0.5 F capacitor bank supplies energy for gas breakdown and plasma sustainment from 4 to 6 ms duration. Typical peak gun current is about 100 kA and gun voltage between anode and cathode after breakdown is about 200 V. A circuit model is used to understand the current-voltage characteristics of the coaxial gun plasma. Energy deposited into the plasma accounts for about 60% of the total capacitor bank energy. This plasma source is uniquely suitable for studying multi-MW multi-ms plasmas with sub-MJ capacitor bank energy.

• OSTI ID: 20644121
• Journal Information: Review of Scientific Instruments, Journal Name: Review of Scientific Instruments Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 76; ISSN 0034-6748; ISSN RSINAK
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
CAPACITORS
CATHODES
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL
PENNING DISCHARGES
PERMANENT MAGNETS
PLASMA GUNS
PLASMA SIMULATION