Particle Transport along Magnetic Null Lines as Sputter or Antihydrogen Source

Abstract

Particle transport along null magnetic lines is investigated using classical trajectory Monte Carlo simulations and described as a traveling wave and through diffusion equations. A magnetic null line is defined as a one-dimensional region where the magnetic field magnitude is zero. This region may take any shape in three-dimensional space. The field used in the simulations is generated by two infinite wires of negligible thickness carrying identical current and separated by a small distance. Thus, an infinite magnetic null line exists directly between the wires. The particle trajectories are simulated by solving the equations of motion for each simulated particle of a mono- energetic set. Each is considered individually, with all trajectories starting from the same position along the null line. Each trajectory is simulated until it reaches a specified distance from the initial point or a maximum time elapses. The simulation is repeated using a full set for multiple endpoints and maximum times for ten different amounts of current in the wires. Each current value is selected so that no particles can travel more than seven times the distance between the wires from the null line. The fraction of particles that reach the endpoint in a given time is calculated and used to describe particle transport parallel to the null line. The results are given in normalized, dimensionless units and their possible applications as an antihydrogen source and use in ultra-high purity sputter are discussed. The results are used to find the conditions necessary to obtain a steady and uniform particle flux suitable for ultra-high purity sputter, assuming that plasma is generated near the null line.