Testing of a H2+-enriched ion source for deuterium simulation

Abstract
We have tested a McDonnell Douglas short milticusp plasma generator, designed to generate a positive hydrogen ion beam which is enriched with H2+ ions. Initial testing shows that the prototype source is capable of producing a positive hydrogen ion beam with H2+ percentage greater than 85%. The total ion‐current density was 56 mA/cm2. For a higher current density of 110 mA/cm2, the percentage of H2+ ions is approximately 73% as measured by a magnetic deflection spectrometer. A comparison between tungsten and lanthanum hexaboride cathodes shows that tungsten filaments can provide better performance.

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