Computation of multiply charged ion transport in curved magnetic field

Abstract

Summary form only given. A vacuum arc is an excellent source of multiply charged metal ions. A curved magnetic field is used to separate the plasma from liquid droplets or solid particle (macro-particles) that are also generated by the vacuum arc. The electric field in the quasi-neutral plasma is generated due to separation between the magnetically confined electrons and relatively mobile ions. Due to the existence of an electric field in the quasi-neutral plasma, the ions with different charge can be spatially separated. This effect is studied theoretically in the present work. A two-dimensional hydrid PIC (particle-in-cell)-fluid model has been developed to simulate the vacuum arc plasma jet containing multiply charged ions. The electron component model is based on the fluid approach making it possible to calculate the radial electric field in the plasma duct with varying magnetic field. This electric field consists of two terms determined by the plasma density gradient, plasma velocity, and magnetic field. In order to calculate the electric field distribution at the initial iteration step, the plasma density and velocity distribution from the PIC calculation are used. The plasma density and velocity distribution are updated based on this electric field. This method allows us to derive the plasma density, velocity, and electric field distribution in a self-consistent manner.