Thermal-resistive current filamentation in the cathode plasma of a pinch-reflex diode

Journal Article · Wed Jun 01 00:00:00 EDT 1983 · J. Appl. Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.332508· OSTI ID:5909025

Tripathi, V K; Ottinger, P F; Guillory, J

Electron current flow drawn off a hollow cylindrical cathode in a pinch-reflex ion diode is observed to have a filamentary structure. Such filamentation can lead to nonuniform anode turn on and ion emission. Consequently, ion beam brightness is degraded. In this context a purely growing thermal-resistive instability in the cathode plasma is examined. The instability causes current filamentation and grows on a time scale comparable to the electron--ion energy equilibration time. Electron inelastic collisions have a stabilizing influence on the instability.

• Research Organization: Laboratory for Plasma and Fusion Energy Studies, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 10742
• OSTI ID: 5909025
• Journal Information: J. Appl. Phys.; (United States), Vol. 54:6
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ION BEAMS
PINCH EFFECT
PLASMA FILAMENT
BEAM EMITTANCE
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
HOLLOW CATHODES
INELASTIC SCATTERING
INSTABILITY
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
STABILIZATION
BEAMS
CATHODES
CURRENTS
ELECTRODES
SCATTERING
640301* - Atomic
Molecular & Chemical Physics- Beams & their Reactions