Numerical calculation of reactions on electrode surfaces and in a volume of a discharge type fusion neutron source

Abstract

A one dimensional PIC (particle-in-cell) MCC (Monte Carlo collision) code has been developed to simulate discharge type fusion neutron sources and IECF (inertial electrostatic confinement fusion) devices. The discharge characteristics and fusion reaction rate of single and double grid devices have been calculated for wide range gas pressure (10−4Pa - 4Pa). The results suggests that a) interspace between the chamber wall and the anode grid of double grid device supplies ions which assist sustainable glow discharge at lower pressures and b) surface reaction on the cathode is dominant at pressures lower than 0.1Pa.