Electron temperature characterization and power balance in a low magnetic field helicon mode

T. Lafleur*, C. Charles, R. W. Boswell

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    19 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    The electron temperature in a low-field helicon mode has been characterized in the presence of a diverging magnetic field (B0 < 5 mT), using a number of electrostatic probes. At the low pressures investigated (<0.3 Pa) the electron energy probability function (measured with an rf compensated Langmuir probe) shows a depleted tail in both the upstream and downstream regions, with the tail temperature being about half that of the bulk electron temperature. Independent measurements of the tail temperature have been made with a retarding field energy analyser (operated in electron collection mode), which closely match those from the rf compensated probe. A global model is developed to predict the electron temperature, plasma potential and plasma density during the low-field mode, and is found to be in very good agreement with the experimental measurements.

    Original languageEnglish
    Article number185204
    JournalJournal Physics D: Applied Physics
    Volume44
    Issue number18
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 11 May 2011

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Electron temperature characterization and power balance in a low magnetic field helicon mode'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this