Radial field discharge for high‐flux ion extraction

Experimental results are described on a pulsed plasma source for the generation of intense beams of intermediate mass ions. The source used radial magnetic field and axial electric field to trap a high density of electrons on azimuthal orbits. A self‐sustained discharge was maintained with high probability for ionization of injected gas. The large extraction area and narrow discharge gap allowed high current operation and effective extraction of ions. Up to 50 A of argon ions were generated over a 100‐μs pulse. The total discharge current was 100 A and the voltage was 1000 V. A current density of 1 A/cm2 argon ions was measured 2 cm from the discharge gap.