Ion dynamics in the cylindrical IEC

Summary form only given, as follows. The cylindrical inertial electrostatic confinement (IEC) device developed at the UI uses a hollow electrode-reflector configuration to achieve an elongated ("line-like") neutron source. This unique geometry is of strong interest for applications requiring uniform neutron coverage of large areas. Operation involves trapping ions between two hollow anodes such that they recirculate through the hollow cathode placed between the anodes. Dish-like end reflectors (negative bias) reduce electron losses and refocus electrons in a volume within the anodes, increasing ionization, hence the ion source, there. Under operation, the ions are focused such that they recirculate in a constricted beam region as they pass the cathode. This configuration has been studied experimentally in both steady-state and pulsed-mode operation; the neutron axial distribution being measured with small pressurized "bubble" detectors. Corresponding computations have heavily utilized a charged-particle tracking code in conjunction with an approximate fluid plasma model.