Identification of the ECR zone in the SWISSCASE ECR ion source

TL;DR

This paper presents detailed 3D simulations and experimental analysis of the magnetic field in the SWISSCASE ECR ion source, revealing insights into plasma behavior and ion distribution relevant for ECR applications.

Contribution

It provides the first high-resolution 3D simulation of the magnetized volume for ECR at 10.88 GHz in SWISSCASE, linking plasma patterns to magnetic field configurations.

Findings

Correlation between carbon coatings and plasma distribution

Ion distribution tightly bound to electron distribution under certain conditions

Simplification of numerical models for ECR applications

Abstract

The magnetic field of the permanent magnet electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) ion source SWISSCASE located at the University of Bern has been numerically simulated and experimentally investigated. For the first time the magnetized volume qualified for electron cyclotron resonance at 10.88 GHz and 388.6 mT has been analyzed in highly detailed 3D simulations with unprecedented resolution. The observed pattern of carbon coatings on the source correlates strongly with the electron and ion distribution in the ECR plasma of SWISSCASE. Under certain plasma conditions the ion distribution is tightly bound to the electron distribution and can considerably simplify the numerical calculations in ECR related applications such as ECR ion engines and ECR ion implanters.