An Ion Source for a Plasma-Optic Mass Separator

Abstract

A device for forming an ion beam in a plasma-optic mass separator was developed on the basis of a two-chamber plasma accelerator—thruster—with anodic layers (TAL). The anode of the second chamber in the TAL is replaced with an azimuthator of the mass separator. Functionally, the azimuthator plays the role of the cathode for both the first and second accelerator chambers. This becomes possible after a potential that is negative with respect to the TAL anode is applied to the azimuthator–cathode. The ion source has been tested as a part of the POMS-E-3 mass separator. The ion density at the output of the source is 2–4 times higher than the density at the output of the “classical” two-chamber TAL.