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Self-sputtering far above the runaway threshold: an extraordinary metal ion generator

Journal Article · · Physical Review Letters
OSTI ID:950216
When self-sputtering is driven far above the runaway threshold voltage, energetic electrons are made available to produce"excess plasma" far from the magnetron target. Ionization balance considerations show that the secondary electrons deliver the necessary energy to the"remote" zone. Thereby, such a system can be an extraordinarily prolific generator of useable metal ions. Contrary to other known sources, the ion current to a substrate can exceed the discharge current. For gasless self-sputtering of copper, the useable ion current scales exponentially with the discharge voltage.
Research Organization:
Ernest Orlando Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
Accelerator& Fusion Research Division; Environmental Energy Technologies Division
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-05CH11231
OSTI ID:
950216
Report Number(s):
LBNL-1641E
Journal Information:
Physical Review Letters, Journal Name: Physical Review Letters Vol. 102; ISSN 0031-9007; ISSN PRLTAO
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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