Production of Negative Ions by Electron Impact.
Abstract
Proposed future space-based beam weapons systems will most probably require an intense neutral particle beam for effective operation across geomagnetic field lines. Such neutral beams can most efficiently be obtained by stripping excess electrons from negative ion beams. The objective of this work is to study the process of dissociative attachment of electrons. Specifically, to measure the cross sections for polar dissociation and dissociative attachment for production of H(-). It is suspected that these dissociative attachment cross sections for the production of H(-) from alkali hydrides are large. The insight gained from this study will be extremely helpful in the fabrication of high current density H(-) beam sources for use in the production of intense neutral hydrogen beams. A selection of alkali hydride molecules will be investigated in order to determine the largest cross sections for the production of H(-) by electron impact. The angular distribution of the H(-) ions will be measured. An optimal vapor pressure for the efficient production of H(-) will be found. The feasibility of extending the proposed research to the deuterium bearing molecule will be determined.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA135176
Entities
People
- S. K. Srivastava
Organizations
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory