Title :
Ion-Current Downstream of a Carbon Dioxide Helicon Double Layer
Author :
Charles, Christine ; Hawkins, Rhys ; Boswell, Rod
Author_Institution :
Space Plasma, Power & Propulsion Lab., Australian Nat. Univ., Canberra, ACT, Australia
Abstract :
Energy-resolved ion measurements in a carbon dioxide helicon radio-frequency plasma containing an oblique current-free double layer are obtained using a retarding field energy analyzer for standard operating conditions (i.e., 0.4 mTorr, 250 W, and 140 G). Two ion populations corresponding to thermal ions and an energetic ion beam, respectively, are observed and spatially mapped downstream of the double layer, which is in the region of diverging field lines. The measurements are mirrored about the main reactor axis using cylindrical geometry, and a 3-D image is generated.
Keywords :
carbon compounds; helicons; plasma diagnostics; plasma radiofrequency heating; plasma sheaths; plasma transport processes; CO2; carbon dioxide helicon double layer; carbon dioxide helicon radiofrequency plasma; energetic ion beam; energy resolved ion measurements; ion current; ion populations; magnetic flux density 140 G; oblique current free double layer; power 250 W; pressure 0.4 mtorr; retarding field energy analyzer; thermal ions; Current measurement; Extraterrestrial measurements; Ion beams; Ions; Magnetic resonance imaging; Plasma measurements; Plasmas; Ion beams; plasma sources;
Journal_Title :
Plasma Science, IEEE Transactions on
DOI :
10.1109/TPS.2011.2155087
