Electric Potential in Surface Produced Negative Ion Source with Magnetic Field Increasing Toward a Wall

Abstract

Electric potential near a wall for plasma with the surface produced negative ions with magnetic field increasing toward a wall is investigated analytically. The potential profile is derived analytically by using a plasma-sheath equation, where negative ions produced on the plasma grid (PG) surface are considered in addition to positive ions and electrons. The potential profile depends on the amount and the temperature of the surface produced negative ions and the profile of the magnetic field. The negative potential peak is formed in the sheath region near the PG surface for the case of strong surface production of negative ions or low temperature negative ions. As the increase rate of the magnetic field near the wall becomes large, the negative potential peak becomes small.