Investigation of Ion Beam Production and Acceleration Using Linear Electron Beams and a Pulse Powered Plasma Focus

摘要

An intense relativistic electron beam cannot propagate in a metal drift tube when the current exceeds the space charge limit. Very high charge density and electric field gradients (100 to 1000 MV/m) develop at the beam front and the electrons are reflected. When a neutral gas or a plasma is present, collective acceleration of positive ions occur, and the resulting charge neutralization enables the beam to propagate. Experimental results, theoretical understanding, and schemes to achieve high ion energies by external control of the beams front velocity will be reviewed. (Author)