An omegatron mass spectrometer for plasma ion species analysis

Abstract

An omegatron mass spectrometer which can be used to measure the ion species and charge state distribution in a magnetized plasma is described. In the conventional omegatron, ions are formed as the result of gas ionization by a fine electron beam passing through the center of the analyzer along the magnetic field. In the plasma omegatron, the plasma ions are entering the analyzer through a small floating aperture. We employ a biasing technique to reduce the ion velocity along the magnetic field and, thus, achieve improved ion collection and sensitivity. Experiments have been performed to demonstrate the instrument’s operation in the PISCES-A linear plasma device, at a magnetic field B=1.3 kG. Mass spectra have been obtained in hydrogen, helium, and nitrogen plasmas, and typical results are presented.