Characterization of plasma expansion dynamics in a high power diode with a carbon-fiber-aluminum cathode

Journal Article · Mon Jun 09 00:00:00 EDT 2014 · Applied Physics Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4882162· OSTI ID:22300057

Liu, L.; Cai, D. ^[1]

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1. College of Optoelectronic Science and Engineering, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073 (China)

Thermal plasma expansion is characterised during the operation of a high power diode with an explosive emission carbon-fiber-aluminum cathode driven by a 250 kV, 150 ns accelerating pulse. It is found that a quasi-stationary state of plasma expansion is obtained during the main part of the accelerating pulse and the whole plasma expansion exhibits an “U”-shape velocity evolution. A theoretical model describing the dynamics of plasma expansion is developed, which indicates that the plasma expansion velocity is determined by equilibrium between the diode current density and plasma thermal electron current density.

• OSTI ID: 22300057
• Journal Information: Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 104, Issue 23; Other Information: (c) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0003-6951
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND SUPERFLUIDITY
ALUMINIUM
CARBON FIBERS
CATHODES
CURRENT DENSITY
ELECTRONS
EMISSION
EQUILIBRIUM
EVOLUTION
EXPLOSIVES
PLASMA
PLASMA EXPANSION
PULSES