Ion beam formation in the field of double layer stabilized by spatial reversal of magnetic field

Abstract The ion beam generation and dynamics of processes in a pulsed straight high-current gas discharge at Iow pressures have been studied. The spatial reversal of a longitudinal con-fining magnetic field is used to stabilize a potential jump. The potential difference of 3–10 kV is applied to the discharge gap filled with a preliminary created plasma. Initially, the precathode potential jump is formed and, thereafter, the auasi-steady double layer arises in the region of magnetic field reversal. Potential difference is concentrated in the double layer, where formation of ion and electron beams occur. A current value of the ion beam formed in the double layer is determined by Bohm's current of the plasma in the anode part of discharge gap (J < 0.6 A/cm2). The ion beam energy is determined by a value of the potential jump (3–10kV) in the double layer. When the plasma with the density higher than the critical one is formed in the system, the magnetic field reversal is self-consistently suppressed; the dou...