Particle Simulation of the Potential Formation across the Magnetic Filter

The potential formation across the magnetic filter (MF) is studied by the two‐and‐one‐ half‐dimensional (two configuration and three velocity spaces) electrostatic particle simulation. The strength of the MF is selected to influence only electron dynamics; ions move freely across the MF. The MF divides the plasma into the main plasma and the diffused plasma. The density and temperature of the main plasma is controlled, while there is no artificial treatment for the diffused plasma. It is found that the (collisionless) anomalous diffusion of electrons plays an important role in determining the potential structure in which the potential of the main plasma is higher than that of the diffused plasma. It is also found that by changing the potential of the wall adjacent to the diffused plasma, the plasma potential of the diffused plasma can be controlled without affecting the main plasma.