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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
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Electrochemical Detection of Deuterium Kinetic Isotope Effect on Extracellular Electron Transport in Shewanella oneidensis MR-1
Published on: April 16, 2018
Deuterium anions in inertial electrostatic confinement devices
D R Boris1, E Alderson, G Becerra
1Fusion Technology Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Engineering Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA.
Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics
|November 13, 2009
Summary
Measurements in the Wisconsin inertial electrostatic confinement (IEC) experiment show deuterium anion currents up to 8.5 microA/cm2. Various deuterium ions (D-, D2-) are identified, originating from electron attachment and charge-transfer processes within the IEC device.
Area of Science:
- Plasma Physics
- Fusion Energy Research
Background:
- Inertial Electrostatic Confinement (IEC) devices confine high-energy light ions in a spherically symmetric electrostatic potential well.
- Understanding ion flow dynamics is crucial for optimizing IEC performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure divergent deuterium anion flow in the University of Wisconsin-Madison IEC (UW-IEC) experiment.
- To identify the types and production mechanisms of deuterium anions within the UW-IEC device.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a magnetic deflection-energy analyzer and a Faraday trap diagnostic.
- Measured deuterium anion current densities at the device wall.
- Analyzed energy spectra to determine ion species and origins.
Main Results:
- Achieved deuterium anion current densities as high as 8.5 microA/cm2.
- Detected D2(-) and D- ions.
- Identified D- ions produced via thermal electron attachment and charge-transfer processes.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully characterized deuterium anion flow and production in the UW-IEC.
- Findings provide insights into plasma behavior within IEC devices, relevant for fusion energy applications.
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