Analysis of H atoms in a negative ion source plasma with the non-equilibrium electron energy distribution function.

In negative ion sources for the neutral beam injection, it is important to calculate H atom flux onto the plasma grid (PG) surface for the evaluation of H(-) production on the PG surface. We have developed a neutral (H(2) molecules and H atoms) transport code. In the present study, the neutral transport code is applied to the analysis of the H(2) and H transport in a NIFS-R&D ion source in order to calculate the flux onto the PG surface. Taking into account non-equilibrium feature of the electron energy distribution function (EEDF), i.e., the fast electron component, we have done the neutral transport simulation. The results suggest that the precise evaluation of the EEDF, especially in the energy range 15 eV < E < 30 eV is important for the dissociation rate of H(2) molecules by the electron impact collision and the resultant H atom flux on the PG.

Effect of non-uniform electron energy distribution function on plasma production in large arc driven negative ion source.

Spatially non-uniform electron energy distribution function (EEDF) in an arc driven negative ion source (JAEA 10A negative ion source: 10 A NIS) is calculated numerically by a three-dimensional Monte Carlo kinetic model for electrons to understand spatial distribution of plasma production (such as atomic and ionic hydrogen (H(0)∕H(+)) production) in source chamber. The local EEDFs were directly calculated from electron orbits including electromagnetic effects and elastic∕inelastic collision forces. From the EEDF, spatial distributions of H(0)∕H(+) production rate were obtained. The results suggest that spatial non-uniformity of H(0)∕H(+) productions is enhanced by high energy component of EEDF.

3D modeling of the electron energy distribution function in negative hydrogen ion sources.

For optimization and accurate prediction of the amount of H-ion production in negative ion sources, analysis of electron energy distribution function (EEDF) is necessary. We are developing a numerical code which analyzes EEDF in the tandem-type arc-discharge source. It is a three-dimensional Monte Carlo simulation code with realistic geometry and magnetic configuration. Coulomb collision between electrons is treated with the "binary collision" model and collisions with hydrogen species are treated with the "null-collision" method. We applied this code to the analysis of the JAEA 10 A negative ion source. The numerical result shows that the obtained EEDF is in good agreement with experimental results.

Modeling of the rf discharge initiation in a negative ion source.

The maintenance free rf ion source is expected to be one of the most promising candidates for the negative ion sources of plasma heating for future fusion reactors. As an alternative to the arc-discharge sources, the rf negative ion sources have been developed for H(-) production. In order to make clear the condition for the discharge initiation of the rf source, we are developing a numerical model using the finite difference time domain Monte Carlo method to analyze the electron energy distribution function in rf field. The numerical result shows that the discharge is not successfully initiated due to the wall loss unless the wall potential is considered. More self-consistent model including ion dynamics to evaluate the wall potential and the electron loss at the wall will be needed in the future.