Production of large resonant plasma volumes in microwave electron cyclotron resonance ion sources
Microwave injection methods are disclosed for enhancing the performance of existing electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) ion sources. The methods are based on the use of high-power diverse frequency microwaves, including variable-frequency, multiple-discrete-frequency, and broadband microwaves. The methods effect large resonant ``volume`` ECR regions in the ion sources. The creation of these large ECR plasma volumes permits coupling of more microwave power into the plasma, resulting in the heating of a much larger electron population to higher energies, the effect of which is to produce higher charge state distributions and much higher intensities within a particular charge state than possible in present ECR ion sources. 5 figs.
- Research Organization:
- Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-96OR22464
- Assignee:
- Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corp., Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 5,841,237/A/
- Application Number:
- PAN: 8-892,492
- OSTI ID:
- 321226
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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