Plasma Excitation in a DC Linear Magnetic Field by a Duoplasmatron Plasma Cathode

Abstract

A 280 G linear magnetic field sustained a 2.5 mm diameter stable hydrogen plasma column produced by a duoplasmatron plasma cathode. A high-intensity magnetic field created by a pair of permanent magnets and the field compression structure realized the passage of a dense plasma flow through a 2 mm diameter hole. Both ions and electrons can be extracted from the downstream plasma where a linear magnetic field can be induced to guide the plasma for striking a tungsten target. Luminous intensity distribution around a tungsten target located at another end of the magnetic field confronting to the plasma cathode was examined. A substantial reduction in the Hα line spectral broadening was observed that enabled a precise spectroscopic study of the hydrogen particle reflection at the solid target surface.