A plasma neutralizer by use of magnetron discharge

Abstract

A novel plasma neutralizer concept for a very simple structure is presented by making use of magnetron discharge for efficient plasma production with higher electron temperatures. Preliminary experimental results show electron temperatures as high as 20 eV, and 8*10/sup 11/ cm/sup -3/ electron density in an argon plasma, which are both promising for the plasma neutralizer. The effects of magnetic fields on the beam deflection are found negligible for extremely energetic beams like the 1.3-MeV D/sup -/ beams for ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor). Issues for further improvements of plasma parameters are discussed.<>