Development of a Li sup minus ion source

Journal Article · Sun Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1989 · Journal of Applied Physics; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.344173· OSTI ID:5550722

Walther, S R; Morse, E C; Leung, K N ^[1]

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1. Accelerator and Fusion Research Division, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, California 94720 (US)

Sources of Li{sup {minus}} ions are needed for diagnostic neutral beams for fusion research. Previous efforts to generate Li{sup {minus}} beams have focused on electron capture in a gas or production on a low work-function surface in a plasma. Volume production of Li{sup {minus}} by dissociative attachment of optically pumped lithium molecules has also been studied. This paper presents experimental results for volume production of a Li{sup {minus}} ion beam from a plasma discharge. These results show that a discharge source of Li{sup {minus}} ions can provide suitable current densities for diagnostic beams. A theoretical model for the formation of Li{sup {minus}} ions from Li{sub 2} molecules in the lithium discharge is developed. The model is in good agreement with the experimental results and shows favorable parameter scalings for further improvement of the Li{sup {minus}} ion source.

• DOE Contract Number: AC03-76SF00098
• OSTI ID: 5550722
• Journal Information: Journal of Applied Physics; (USA), Journal Name: Journal of Applied Physics; (USA) Vol. 66:7; ISSN 0021-8979; ISSN JAPIA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700102* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Diagnostics
BEAM INJECTION
BEAM PRODUCTION
CHARGED PARTICLES
CURRENT DENSITY
DISSOCIATION
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ENERGY LEVELS
EXCITED STATES
ION SOURCES
IONS
LITHIUM IONS
NEUTRAL ATOM BEAM INJECTION
PLASMA DIAGNOSTICS
VIBRATIONAL STATES