Spectral analysis in lithium ion beam transport experiments

Summary form only given. An analysis of visible emission from an argon plasma generated during Li ion beam transport experiments is summarized. High-energy, high current Li ion beams generated in a barrel-type diode have been transported in an argon gas cell and focused towards a target in the center. In the transport region, an argon plasma is formed which provides current and charge neutralization for the ion beam. The argon plasma can be generated by collisions with energetic Li beam ions and plasma electrons. According to PIC code simulations, plasma electrons has Maxwellian energy distribution and energetic component, which is produced by beam ion collisions or by strong local electric fields. Since the ion beam pulse length is on /spl sim/20 ns, plasma conditions rapidly change accordingly during beam pulse time. The goal of investigation is to understand the gas ionization dynamics and determine plasma conditions.