Energy losses in magnetically insulated transmission lines due to microparticles

Journal Article · Mon Jun 15 00:00:00 EDT 1987 · J. Appl. Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.338307· OSTI ID:6778776

Gray, E W; Stinnett, R W

We discuss the effects of high-velocity and hypervelocity microparticles in the magnetically insulated transmission lines of multiterawatt accelerators used for particle beam fusion and radiation effects simulation. These microparticles may be a possible source for plasma production near the anode and cathode in early stages of the voltage pulse, and current carriers during and after the power pulse, resulting in power flow losses. Losses in the current pulse, due to microparticles, are estimated to be approximately 12 mA/cm/sup 2/ (0.3 kA) as a lower limit, and --0.3 A/cm/sup 2/ (7.2 kA) for microparticle initiated, anode plasma positive ion transport. We have calculated the velocities reached by these microparticles and the effects on them of Van der Waals forces. Field emission from the particles and their effects on cathode and anode plasma formation have been examined. Particle collision with the electrodes is also examined in terms of plasma production, as in the electron deposition in the particles in transit across the anode-cathode gap. Blistering of the electrode surface, thought to be due to H/sup -/ bombardment was also observed and appears to be consistent with losses due to negative ions previously reported by J. P. VanDevender, R. W. Stinnett, and R. J. Anderson (App. Phys. Lett. 38, 229 (1981)).

• Research Organization: Tetra Corporation, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87109
• OSTI ID: 6778776
• Journal Information: J. Appl. Phys.; (United States), Vol. 61:12
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS
PARTICLE BEAM FUSION ACCELERATOR
POWER TRANSMISSION LINES
ENERGY LOSSES
ACCELERATORS
ELECTRODES
PLASMA PRODUCTION
LOSSES
700208* - Fusion Power Plant Technology- Inertial Confinement Technology
430300 - Particle Accelerators- Auxiliaries & Components