Ion Dynamics in an Atmospheric Source with Photoionization by Radiation of Laser Plasma

A pulsed source of ions with ionization of the substance under study at atmospheric pressure by the UV radiation of laser plasma is numerically simulated. The calculations are based on an original mathematical model that describes evolution of an ensemble of ions in the presence of superimposed gas-dynamic and electric fields with allowance for the Coulomb interaction. The model contains a system of the Navier–Stokes equations for gas-dynamic flows in the volume under study, the Poisson equation for the resulting distribution of electric field in such a volume, and the Lorentz equation for construction of ion trajectories from the ionization place to collecting diaphragm. Convergence of the relaxation method is demonstrated for the numerical solution of the main model equations. The dependence of ion current on applied voltage is studied. It is shown that the calculated results are in good agreement with the experimental data when finiteness of the ion lifetime due to recombination effect is taken into account.