Experiments on intense ion beam formation with inhomogeneous electric field

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel extraction method with inhomogeneous electric fields for intense ion beam formation, demonstrating high efficiency and record current density in a plasma device.

Contribution

The paper presents a new electrode shape for ion extraction that enhances acceleration efficiency across various ion sources.

Findings

Achieved record current density of 1.1 A/cm².

Demonstrated high efficiency in proton beam formation.

Applicable to diverse plasma devices.

Abstract

We report on a successful test of a new method for intense ion beam formation using an extraction with inhomogeneous electric field. Its key feature is a special shape of the extraction electrodes providing a higher rate of ion acceleration. It is applicable to any ion source type and could be used to improve performance of a wide range of plasma devices. The proof of concept was carried out using a high-current electron-cyclotron resonance ion source SMIS 37. High efficiency of the new extraction and proton beam formation with a record current density of up to 1.1 A cm-2 was demonstrated.