The ion velocity distribution function in a current-free double layer

Amy M. Keesee, Earl E. Scime, Christine Charles, Albert Meige, Rod Boswell

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    45 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    A portable, low-power, diode laser-based laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) diagnostic incorporating a heated iodine cell for absolute wavelength reference was installed on the Chi-Kung helicon source [K. K. Chi, T. E. Sheridan, and R. W. Boswell, Plasma Sources Sci. Technol. 8, 421 (1999)] to measure the ion velocity distribution function of argon ions as they transited a current-free double layer (DL) created where the solenoidal magnetic field diverges at the junction of the plasma source and the diffusion chamber. Based on LIF measurements of the transiting ion beam energy, the strength of the potential drop across the DL increases with decreasing neutral pressure and increasing magnetic field strength in the source. The location of the double layer also moves further downstream of the helicon source with increasing pressure. LIF measurements of the ion beam energy were found to be in good agreement with measurements obtained with a retarding field energy analyzer and also with numerical predictions.

    Original languageEnglish
    Article number093502
    Pages (from-to)1-7
    Number of pages7
    JournalPhysics of Plasmas
    Volume12
    Issue number9
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Sept 2005

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