Self-consistent simulations of ECR-based charge breeders: evidence and impact of the plasmoid-halo structure

TL;DR

This paper presents self-consistent simulations of ECR-based charge breeders, revealing the plasmoid-halo plasma structure and its effects on ion capture, with results validated against experimental data.

Contribution

It introduces a self-consistent modeling approach for the plasma structure in ECR charge breeders, highlighting the plasmoid-halo configuration and its impact on ion capture efficiency.

Findings

Confirmation of plasmoid-halo plasma structure through simulations

Detailed analysis of Rb1+ ion capture under various plasma conditions

Comparison of simulation results with experimental data

Abstract

This paper discusses the capture of an ion beam in a magnetized plasma of an Electron Cyclotron Resonance Ion Source based Charge Breeder, as modelled by numerical simulations. As a relevant step forward with respect to previous works, here the capture is modeled by considering a plasma structure determined in a self-consisent way. The plasmoid-halo structure of the ECR plasma - that is consisting of a dense core (the plasmoid) surrounded by a rarefied halo - is further confirmed by the self-consistent calculations, having also some fine structures affected by the electromagnetic field distribution and by the magnetostatic field profile. The capture of Rb1+ ions has been investigated in details, vs. various plasma parameters, and then compared to experimental results.