Intense REB (relativistic electron beam) transport in a weakly magnetized plasma

Conference · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1989

OSTI ID:5396902

Camacho, J. F.; Poole, B. R.; Chang, B.

Intense relativistic electron beams (REBs) have been used in various applications for the purpose of high-power microwave (HPM) generation. By injecting the beam into a plasma, it is possible to overcome the space-charge limiting current because of charge and current neutralization provided by the plasma. Our goal in this experiment was to study beam transport issues which may be relevant to the development of HPM sources which use intense REBs. We conducted high-power REB-plasma interaction experiments by injecting a 1.4 MeV, 25 kA electron beam with n{sub b} {approx} 4 {times} 10{sup 10} cm{sup {minus}3} into a performed, partially ionized (<1%) argon background situated within a 15 cm ID Lucite tube, with n{sub e} {approximately} 10{sup 11} cm{sup {minus}3}. Our experimental apparatus consisted of the electron beam accelerator, a plasma source, magnetic field coils, and beam, plasma, and microwave diagnostics. The beam diagnostics included a streak camera and Rogowski coils to measure beam profiles and net current in the system, respectively. A microwave interferometer provided plasma density measurements around the time of the beam-plasma interaction. We also measured RF emission using a microwave spectrometer. These data will be presented. Particle-in-cell code simulations have been performed to help us understand the relevant physics. We shall present the results of these computations. 4 refs., 12 figs.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (USA)
• Sponsoring Organization: DOE/DP
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 5396902
• Report Number(s): UCRL-100359; CONF-8907168--2; ON: DE90002978
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700101* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Confinement
Heating
&amp; Production
BEAM INJECTION
BEAM PROFILES
BEAM TRANSPORT
BEAMS
CAMERAS
ELECTRON BEAMS
HEATING
LEPTON BEAMS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
MICROWAVE HEATING
PARTICLE BEAMS
PLASMA
PLASMA DENSITY
PLASMA SIMULATION
RADIATION DETECTORS
SIMULATION
SPACE CHARGE
STREAK CAMERAS