Applications of a Kaufman ion source to low energy ion erosion studies

The erosion of materials by low energy ions is of concern in fusion reactors since high Z impurities in the plasma cause radiation cooling. Ion bombardment of the fusion reactor chamber walls arises from ions of fuel (D, T) material, gaseous impurities (O, C), and impurities from eroded components (Fe, Co, Ni, C, Mo, etc.) being accelerated across the wall sheath potential (0.1 to 1 KeV). A Kaufman type ion source has been characterized for use with hydrogen, and subsequently used to determine the relative erosion rates of bulk Mo, C, Cu, coating of TiB2, B4C, Be, VBe12 and other materials. Ions of hydrogen (Z=1), argon (Z=18), and xenon (Z=54) at acceleration potentials of 250, 500, and 1000 V have been used to determine erosion yields.