Mathematical and experimental simulation of a cylindrical plasma target trap with inverse magnetic mirrors

Abstract

A plasma target for highly efficient neutralization of powerful negative ion beams is considered. The plasma is confined within a magnetic trap with multipole magnetic walls. It is proposed to use inverse magnetic mirrors to limit plasma outflow through the inlet and outlet holes in the trap. Using the particle-in-cell method, mathematical simulation of plasma dynamics in the trap has been performed. The estimates of plasma distribution and particle confinement efficiency in the region of the magnetic mirrors has been obtained. Simulation results were compared with experimental data.

Computer simulation of cylindrical plasma target trap with inverse magnetic mirrors

“…The total current on the walls and the end of the trap and distribution of the plasma density in the area of the inverted magnetic plugs were computed in works [10], [11] for the following parameters: I = 150 A is the cathode current, T = 5 eV is the plasma temperature, n 0 = 10 13 cm −3 is the plasma density. Values of the ion current which is stabilized over time and the plasma flow in the walls of the trap were found as a result of the numerical simulation.…”