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Plasma source development for the NDCX-I and NDCX-II neutralized drift compression experiments

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 June 2012

E.P. Gilson ,
R.C. Davidson ,
P.C. Efthimion ,
J.Z. Gleizer ,
I.D. Kaganovich  and
Ya.E. Krasik
E.P. Gilson*
Affiliation:
Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey
R.C. Davidson
Affiliation:
Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey
P.C. Efthimion
Affiliation:
Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey
J.Z. Gleizer
Affiliation:
Physics Department, Technion, Haifa, Israel
I.D. Kaganovich
Affiliation:
Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey
Ya.E. Krasik
Affiliation:
Physics Department, Technion, Haifa, Israel
*
Address correspondence and reprint requests to: E.P. Gilson, Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08543. E-mail: egilson@pppl.gov
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Abstract

Compressed ion beams are being studied as a driver for inertial confinement fusion energy and for the creation of matter in the high-energy-density regime. In order to facilitate compression of a positive ion charge bunch longitudinally and transversely beyond the limit determined by the space-charge field of the bunch, a source of charge-neutralizing electrons must be provided. Plasma sources have been developed for the NDCX-I and NDCX-II experimental facilities, both for the 2-m-long, field-free drift regions, and for the small-diameter interior of the multi-Tesla final focus solenoid. Barium titanate based cylinders with a high dielectric coefficient are used to line the wall of the 2-m-long drift region and by applying a 9 kV pulse between the inner and outer surfaces of the cylinders, plasma with a density in the 1010 cm−3 range is formed. Results are presented from experiments using this plasma source on NDCX-I. A compact plasma source 5.1 cm long and 3.8 cm in diameter, also made using the barium titanate based material, has been developed for use in the bore of the final focus solenoid. Plasma generated near the wall of the plasma source will follow the fringing magnetic field lines of the solenoid and help to fill the bore of the magnet with plasma. Improved designs for the barium titanate plasma sources are being considered that use different inner-surface electrode materials and structures, and also use a modified electrical driver employing a spark gap crowbar switch. In addition, plasma source designs using so-called flashboard technology have been developed. In the flashboard plasma source, high density plasma is formed when the applied high voltage pulse causes a series of breakdowns between isolated copper patches aligned in rows along the surface of the 0.2 mm thick flashboard.

Keywords

AcceleratorsHeavy ion fusionIon beamsPlasma sources
Type
Research Article
Information
Laser and Particle Beams , Volume 30 , Issue 3 , September 2012 , pp. 435 - 443
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2012

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References

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