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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
11:47
A 100 KW Class Applied-field Magnetoplasmadynamic Thruster
Published on: December 22, 2018
Magnetic multipole line-cusp plasma generator for neutral beam injectors
W L Stirling1, P M Ryan, C C Tsai
1Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|January 1, 1979
Summary
A modified magnetic multipole line-cusp device generates high-density hydrogen plasma for neutral beam injectors. This plasma source demonstrates excellent uniformity and efficiency, making it suitable for advanced applications.
Area of Science:
- Plasma Physics
- Ion Source Technology
Background:
- The magnetic multipole line-cusp device is a known plasma generator.
- Adapting this device for neutral beam ion sources is crucial for fusion energy research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To adapt the MacKenzie line-cusp device for neutral beam ion source applications.
- To evaluate the performance of this adapted device in generating hydrogen plasma.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a water-cooled cylindrical copper discharge chamber with extraction grids.
- Employed a rare-earth cobalt magnet system in a line-cusp geometry.
- Generated plasma via electron emission from a hot cathode assembly.
Main Results:
- Achieved high-density, large-volume, quiescent, and uniform hydrogen plasmas.
- Produced extracted beam currents of 12 A at 18.5 kV.
- Demonstrated radial plasma density uniformity of +/-5% over a 15-cm diameter with low noise (< +/-0.5%).
- Reported arc efficiencies of 0.6 A/kW.
Conclusions:
- The adapted line-cusp device is a promising plasma generator for neutral beam injectors.
- The source exhibits high performance characteristics suitable for demanding applications.
- Further research can explore its potential in various plasma-based technologies.
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