Polarization of an intense space-charge-neutral ion beam incident upon a magnetic field

Journal Article · Wed Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1981 · Phys. Fluids; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.863438· OSTI ID:6530306

Wessel, F; Robertson, S

The collective behavior of an intense, pulsed, space-charge-neutral proton beam (100 kV, 3 A/cm/sup 2/, 0.8 msec) incident upon a transversely oriented magnetic field of 0--6 kG has been determined experimentally. At 6 kG, a floating potential probe shows longitudinal polarization creating a positive sheath (virtual anode) within the field boundary having a peak electrostatic potential equal to the ion accelerating potential. The sheath thickness is approximately v/w/sub p/i, where v is the beam velocity and w/sub p/i is the ion plasma frequency. Oscillations in the sheath potential at w/sub p/i were observed as predicted by previous computer simulations. Ions were observed to be accelerated out of the sheath in all directions. Transverse polarization of the beam as predicted by Schmidt's polarization drift model was not observed although the plasma dielectric constant was approximately 10/sup 2/.

• Research Organization: Physics Department, University of California, Irvine, California 92717
• OSTI ID: 6530306
• Journal Information: Phys. Fluids; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Fluids; (United States) Vol. 24:4; ISSN PFLDA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700104* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Plasma Kinetics-Experimental-- (-1987)
BARYONS
BEAMS
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
FERMIONS
HADRONS
ION BEAMS
ION SOURCES
MAGNETIC FIELDS
NUCLEONS
OSCILLATIONS
PLASMA SHEATH
POLARIZATION
PROTONS
PULSES
SIMULATION