Measurement of bi-directional ion acceleration along a convergent-divergent magnetic nozzle

Journal Article · Mon Mar 07 00:00:00 EST 2016 · Applied Physics Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4943583· OSTI ID:22591428

Zhang, Yunchao; Charles, Christine; Boswell, Rod ^[1]

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1. Space Plasma, Power and Propulsion Laboratory, Research School of Physics and Engineering, The Australian National University, Bldg. 60, Mills Road, Australian Capital Territory 2601 (Australia)

Bi-directional plasma expansion resulting in the formation of ion beams travelling in opposite directions is respectively measured in the converging and diverging parts of a magnetic nozzle created using a low-pressure helicon radio-frequency plasma source. The axial profile of ion saturation current along the nozzle is closely correlated to that of the magnetic flux density, and the ion “swarm” has a zero convective velocity at the magnetic throat where plasma generation is localized, thereby balancing the bi-directional particle loss. The ion beam potentials measured on both sides of the magnetic nozzle show results consistent with the maximum plasma potential measured at the throat.

• OSTI ID: 22591428
• Journal Information: Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 108, Issue 10; Other Information: (c) 2016 AIP Publishing LLC; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0003-6951
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ACCELERATION
FLUX DENSITY
ION BEAMS
MAGNETIC FLUX
NOZZLES
PARTICLE LOSSES
PLASMA
PLASMA EXPANSION
PLASMA POTENTIAL
RADIOWAVE RADIATION