Confinement of Ions in Sources Based on Electron Cyclotron Resonance Phenomenon

Abstract

The problem of the multicharged ion generation in the sources based on the electron cyclotron resonance phenomenon is discussed. Such important peculiarities as the existence of three electron groups and the closeness of the electron cyclotron resonance surface in magnetic fields of “minimum B” type are taken into consideration. The degree of electrical neutrality of plasma and the depth of a potential well for ions of different charge states are estimated. Consideration is given to conditions necessary for a negative potential well formation in the core plasma. It is shown that the effective temperatures as well as the life times of ions with different charges are distinct and moreover, they are functions of the ion charge state distribution.