Langmuir Probe Diagnostics of Continuous, Electron Beam Produced Plasma in Argon, Nitrogen and Their Mixtures
Abstract
Langmuir probe diagnostics have been carried out in the Naval Research Laboratory's Large Area Plasma Processing System (LAPPS) using a continuous, electron-beam produced plasma. The electron beam was extracted from a hollow-cathode discharge, accelerated using a high-voltage grid and a magnetic field was applied to confine the beam. The plasma was produced in a background of pure argon, nitrogen and their mixtures. The generated plasma had a high density 10(exp 9)-10(exp 11) cm(exp -3) like the conventional discharges but a lower electron temperature (< 1 eV) which allows for the processing of energy-sensitive materials. The effect of the operating parameters including hollow cathode and extraction voltages and currents on the plasma characteristics was examined. Further tuning of the plasma properties was achieved by adjustment of the magnetic field and the gas composition.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA635464
Entities
People
- E. Lock
- R. Fernsler
- Scott G. Walton
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory