The probe measurements of the electron density in deuterium plasma created by the electron beam of moderate energy

Abstract

The results of the probe measurements of the electron density in deuterium plasma at gas pressure P=1 Torr are presented. Plasma was created in a quartz tube by stationary beam of electrons with moderate energy up to 10 keV. The electron beam of 35 mm in diameter was generated by the steady-state obstructed glow discharge in a narrow inter-electrode gap. The electrical probe comprises two large metallic plates oriented in parallel to each other with a space gap between them of 15 mm. The electron beam passes through this gap in parallel to the plates and creates plasma in the gap. The plasma density was determined from comparison between the calculated volt-ampere characteristics (VACs) and VACs measured in the experiment. The dependence of plasma density generated by e-beam on energy of electrons in the beam is found out.