Ion emission from beam‐plasma ion sources

摘要

The condition for which maximum ion current is obtained for beam‐plasma ion sources is examined, and a model for the peak ion current based on nonlinear theory is described. Maximum ion emission is found to occur when (i) the initial growth rate of the beam‐driven waves is maximized and (ii) the subsequent relaxation of the beam distribution is accomplished with optimal conversion of wave energy to plasma thermal energy. The results of the model are compared with experiment.