Cesiated hollow cathodes in the multicusp ion source

Abstract

A cesiated hydrogen hollow cathode (CHC) was tested for plasma injection in the multicusp negative ion source (MS). The CHC arc with hydrogen feed and cesium seeding through the CHC volume was explored. One cathode unit (40 mm length, 19 mm in diameter, emission opening area 1–3 mm2) with no special cooling provided the MS discharge operation with direct current up to 30 A, and up to 60 A in the long-pulse mode. High efficiency of negative ion production in the MS discharge, driven by a CHC plasma injection was recorded.