Fluid and kinetic models of negative ion sheaths

Abstract

Due to the presence of a large transverse magnetic field (Bx and By where z is the extraction axis), the extraction of electrons from a negative ion source is likely to happen with a large angle with respect to z axis. The negative ion and electron sheaths are here studied both with kinetic and with fluid models. First, Vlasov‐Poisson models are reduced to one dimensional integrodifferential equations, discussing also trapped orbits. The integrodifferential equations for electron transport are analytically solved for a variety of extraction potentials (in 1D). Collision frequency dependency from electron flow speed and temperature is discussed. Then both ion and electron space charge and fluid motion are solved, using electron densities expression consistent with kinetic model. Results for the sheath charge profile and extraction field as a function of Bx are shown.