Modeling and Simulation of PGGP Electrode Configuration for Ion-Extraction Process Using 2.5D-PIC Code

Abstract

The ion extraction from laser-induced photoplasma in an electrostatic field is investigated by a 2.5-D-electrostatic particle-in-cell (PIC) code. The external electrostatic field is applied by a plate–grid–grid–plate (PGGP) electrode configuration. In this configuration, two additional grids are introduced in a parallel plate electrode configuration. Basically, these grids are kept at more negative potential than the cathode, and therefore, the grid extracts the ion, whereas plates collect the ions. Through such biasing, the sputtering of the already collected ions on the collecting plate can be avoided. The present investigation emphasizes on spatiotemporal evolution of photoplasma in the PGGP electrode configuration. Subsequently, investigate the performance of this electrode configuration with different biasing of electric potential. Finally, it compares the performance of PGGP with parallel plate and M-type electrode configurations. Based on this comparative analysis, an improved design of the PGGP electrode configuration is suggested. In addition, it also explains modeling aspects of different electrode geometries using 2.5-D-PIC, which includes the boundary conditions for Poisson’s equation, particle boundary conditions, and grid designing.