Ion flux mapping in an inertial-electrostatic confinement device using a chordwire diagnostic

Theoretical study of ion microchannels that form in an inertial-electrostatic confinement (IEC) device has helped understand the behavior of ions of various energies within a microchannel and has also predicted that smaller grids produce a more converged core. However, such theoretical work has many limitations that make experimental work indispensable. In the present paper the experimental measurements of ion flow patterns into the cathode grid and their consequences (using a "chordwire" diagnostic that intercepts ions streaming into the IEC core) are reported. Experimental measurements also have quantified the interruption of the ion flow due to the adverse influence of the high voltage stalk. In addition, the chordwire arrangement can be used to study the radiation damage of materials. (C) 2009 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3243932]