Simulation and optimization of a miniaturized ion source for a neutron tube

Abstract

A miniaturized Penning ion source, capable of generating a milliampere ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$ beam with low anode power supply and low gas consumption, was produced and tested for neutron tubes. For a better understanding and optimization of the Penning ion source, magnetic field, beam extraction system, and plasma simulations were conducted to research the optimization of the Penning ion source. The distance between the two cathodes is optimized based on the plasma simulations. Based on the optimization of the magnetic field, extraction system, and the distance of the cathodes, the extraction current of the Penning source had been increased from 1.21 to 1.72 mA, and the ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$ ratio had been increased from 36% to 42.3%.