Intense ion-beam neutralization in free space
Abstract
Electron neutralization is a key feature in the propagation of intense ion beams. A one-dimensional sheath solution is given that demonstrates how electrons are captured by a transient ion beam emerging into a field-free vacuum. Conditions for space-charge and current neutralization are discussed. The importance of the electron distribution in determining the minimum spot size of a focused ion beam is considered.
- Publication:
-
Applied Physics Letters
- Pub Date:
- June 1978
- DOI:
- 10.1063/1.89932
- Bibcode:
- 1978ApPhL..32..792H
- Keywords:
-
- Electron Capture;
- Electron Distribution;
- Ion Beams;
- Ion Sheaths;
- Space Charge;
- Ultrahigh Vacuum;
- Electric Current;
- Electron Energy;
- Focusing;
- Neutral Beams;
- Transient Response;
- Plasma Physics;
- 41.80.Gg;
- 07.77.+p;
- 29.25.Fb