Dielectric Guide Controlled Collective Ion Acceleration.
Abstract
Experiments performed at Spire and NRL have demonstrated dielectric guide controlled collective ion acceleration. Control of the phenomenon has been established by varying the electron beam parameters or guide geometry. Specifically, it has been shown that: Total electron current must exceed the space charge limit; increasing electron current density increases the ion energy; a minimum electron current density is required; increasing guide length (assuming the electron beam can propagate to the end) increases ion energy; increasing guide radius at constant electron current decreases ion energy; and, the energy or charge deposited per unit area of wall controls the velocity of propagation of the electron beam front and therefore the energy of the ions. NRL VEBA results showed that: Dielectric guide controlled collective ion acceleration is effective at higher electron beam energies; an electron beam with current pinched on axis is more efficient for ion acceleration; and molding the surface of the guide can control the beam front velocity.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA084994