Ion Transport from Laser Induced Metal Plasma to Ion Extraction Electrodes

Abstract

Ion transport from a laser-induced metal plasma in a vapor to a cathode surface has been investigated experimentally using conventional parallel plate electrodes and a new conceptual electrode system, which consists of an anode and two cathodes, designated as “M-type electrodes”. Rapid ion transport is possible using the M-type electrodes compared with the parallel plate electrodes and there are two modes of ion transport. One is a mode similar to that seen for parallel plate electrodes, in which the bulk plasma upstreams with a velocity of 1,160 m/s during the ion extraction. The other is a special mode for the M-type electrodes, in which the plasma upstream stops at its origin and ions are transported to the parallel cathodes from both sides of the plasma.

KEYWORDS:

• ion transport
• lasers
• cathodes
• anodes
• ion extraction
• metal plasma
• mode
• electrodes
• electrode system