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At least 1,351 records · Page 75
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Improving LiNiO 2 cathode performance through particle design and optimization

We report to enable further development of Ni-rich LiNi x Mn y Co 1-x-y O 2 (NMC, x ≥ 0.9) cathodes for commercial applications, fundamental understanding of the synthesis–property–performance relationships in the LiNiO 2 (LNO) parent phase is essential. In the present study, we report synthesis approaches to produce well-formed, similar-sized single-crystal LiNiO 2 (SC-LNO) with different shapes and dominating surface facets, and reveal the dependence of cathode rate performance and cycling stability on particle morphology and surface. While octahedron-shaped SC-LNO with the (012) surface shows better rate capability and improved ability in utilizing the kinetically slow anodic process in the 3.5 V region, cubic-shaped SC-LNO with the (104) surface delivers superior cycling stability, especially upon cycling at a high upper cutoff voltage of 4.6 V. Improvement in cycling stability is correlated with reduced surface reconstruction and preferential LiF formation through the interaction with the electrolyte on the (104) surface. Our study not only demonstrates the importance of particle morphology and surface design, it also provides key insights into desirable material properties for developing future LNO-based cathode materials with better performance.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2011

Influence of cathode material on generation of energetic hydrogen atoms in a glow discharge

In this paper influence of cathode material on formation of fast hydrogen atoms in an abnormal glow discharge is investigated using Balmer alpha emission spectroscopy. Energetic H atoms are generated in charge exchange reactions of hydrogen ions that are accelerated in the electric field, and also formed in the backscattering process at the cathode surface. Copper and graphite cathodes were used. Investigation was performed in two orthogonal directions of observation in pure hydrogen and argon-hydrogen mixture. The shapes of the profiles are examined together with the space intensity distribution of Balmer alpha line. Reduced atom reflection from graphite was manifested in the spectroscopic result, in accordance to the field acceleration model. The effect was evident only at high ion energies. This is explained by energy dependence of reflection coefficient for H atoms.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2011

Particle-in-cell simulations for virtual cathode oscillator including foil ablation effects

We have performed two- and three-dimensional, relativistic, electromagnetic, particle-in-cell simulations of an axially extracted virtual cathode oscillator (vircator). The simulations include, for the first time, self-consistent dynamics of the anode foil under the influence of the intense electron beam. This yields the variation of microwave output power as a function of time, including the role of anode ablation and anode-cathode gap closure. These simulations have been done using locally developed particle-in-cell (PIC) codes. The codes have been validated using two vircator designs available from the literature. The simulations reported in the present paper take account of foil ablation due to the intense electron flux, the resulting plasma expansion and shorting of the anode-cathode gap. The variation in anode transparency due to plasma formation is automatically taken into account. We find that damage is generally higher near the axis. Also, at all radial positions, there is little damage in the early stages, followed by a period of rapid erosion, followed in turn by low damage rates. A physical explanation has been given for these trends. As a result of gap closure due to plasma formation from the foil, the output microwave power initially increases, reaches a near-flat-top and then decreases steadily, reaching a minimum around 230 ns. This is consistent with a typical plasma expansion velocity of {approx}2 cm/{mu}s reported in the literature. We also find a significant variation in the dominant output frequency, from 6.3 to 7.6 GHz. This variation is small as long as the plasma density is small, up to {approx}40 ns. As the AK gap starts filling with plasma, there is a steady increase in this frequency.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2011

Electron current extraction from a permanent magnet waveguide plasma cathode

An electron cyclotron resonance plasma produced in a cylindrical waveguide with external permanent magnets was investigated as a possible plasma cathode electron source. The configuration is desirable in that it eliminates the need for a physical antenna inserted into the plasma, the erosion of which limits operating lifetime. Plasma bulk density was found to be overdense in the source. Extraction currents over 4 A were achieved with the device. Measurements of extracted electron currents were similar to calculated currents, which were estimated using Langmuir probe measurements at the plasma cathode orifice and along the length of the external plume. The influence of facility effects and trace ionization in the anode-cathode gap are also discussed.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2011

Emission spectroscopy of a microhollow cathode discharge plasma in helium-water gas mixtures

A dc microhollow cathode discharge (MHCD) plasma was generated inflowing helium gas containing water vapor. The cathode hole diameters were 0.3, 0.7, 1.0, and 2.0 mm, each with a length of 2.0 mm. Emission spectroscopy was carried out to investigate the discharge mode and to determine the plasma parameters. For the 0.3-mm cathode, stable MHCDs in an abnormal glow mode existed at pressures up to 100 kPa, whereas for larger diameters, a plasma was not generated at atmospheric pressure. An analysis of the lineshapes relevant to He at 667.8 nm and to H{alpha} at 656.3 nm implied an electron density and gas temperature of 2 x 10{sup 14} cm{sup -3} and 1100 K, respectively, for a 100-kPa discharge in the negative glow region. The dependence of the OH band, and H{alpha} intensities on the discharge current exhibited different behaviors. Specifically, the OH spectrum had a maximum intensity at a certain current, while the H atom intensity kept increasing with the discharge current. This observation implies that a high concentration of OH radicals results in quenching, leading to the production of H atoms via the reaction OH + e{sup -}{yields} O + H + e{sup -}.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2011

Plasma-based multistage virtual cathode radiation

A plasma-based multistage virtual cathode radiation is proposed. Multistage virtual cathode can be formed as an electron beam passes through a high dense ion background. The reflected electrons can be coupled with transverse magnetic wave, and electromagnetic radiation is detected. Unlike the traditional virtual cathode devices, the beam current can be decreased greatly due to the effect of ions, and single mode operation can be achieved by adjusting the beam density. Besides, the radiation frequency, which is proportional to the beam density, covers from 10 to 100 GHz. The output power flux density reaches a magnitude of GWm{sup -2}.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2012

Characteristic of a triple-cathode vacuum arc plasma source

In order to generate a better ion beam, a triple-cathode vacuum arc plasma source has been developed. Three plasma generators in the vacuum arc plasma source are equally located on a circle. Each generator initiated by means of a high-voltage breakdown between the cathode and the anode could be operated separately or simultaneously. The arc plasma expands from the cathode spot region in vacuum. In order to study the behaviors of expanding plasma plume generated in the vacuum arc plasma source, a Langmuir probe array is employed to measure the saturated ion current of the vacuum arc plasma source. The time-dependence profiles of the saturated current density of the triple vacuum arc plasma source operated separately and simultaneously are given. Furthermore, the plasma characteristic of this vacuum arc plasma source is also presented in the paper.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2012

Ion velocities in a micro-cathode arc thruster

Ion velocities in the plasma jet generated by the micro-cathode arc thruster are studied by means of time-of-flight method using enhanced ion detection system (EIDS). The EIDS triggers perturbations (spikes) on arc current waveform, and the larger current in the spike generates denser plasma bunches propagating along with the mainstream plasma. The EIDS utilizes double electrostatic probes rather than single probes. The average Ti ion velocity is measured to be around 2 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 4} m/s without a magnetic field. It was found that the application of a magnetic field does not change ion velocities in the interelectrode region while leads to ion acceleration in the free expanding plasma plume by a factor of about 2. Ion velocities of about 3.5 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 4} m/s were detected for the magnetic field of about 300 mT at distance of about 100-200 mm from the cathode. It is proposed that plasma is accelerated due to Lorentz force. The average thrust is calculated using the ion velocity measurements and the cathode mass consumption rate, and its increase with the magnetic field is demonstrated.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2012

Effect of self-magnetic fields on the nonlinear dynamics of relativistic electron beam with virtual cathode

The report is devoted to the results of the numerical study of the virtual cathode (VC) formation conditions in the relativistic electron beam (REB) under the influence of the self-magnetic and external axial magnetic fields. The azimuthal instability of the relativistic electron beam leading to the formation of the vortex electron structure in the system was found out. This instability is determined by the influence of the self-magnetic fields of the relativistic electron beam, and it leads to the decrease of the critical value of the electron beam current (current when the non-stationary virtual cathode is formed in the drift space). The typical dependencies of the critical current on the external uniform magnetic field value were discovered. The effect of the beam thickness on the virtual cathode formation conditions was also analyzed.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2012

Experimental investigation of virtual cathode sheath in the presence of secondary electrons produced by streaming ions

The potential profiles near a negatively biased stainless steel plate or mesh immersed in an unmagnetized weakly collisional plasma were investigated experimentally. The results show that deep virtual cathode structures arise inside the sheath region in front of the plate caused by secondary electrons produced by streaming ions hitting the surface of the plate. The characteristics of the virtual cathode depend on the incoming ion energy, neutral gas pressure, and bulk plasma density. In addition, the replacement of the plate with the mesh results in the suppression of the virtual cathode because of the equivalent reduction in the secondary electron yield.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

Magnetic dipole discharges. II. Cathode and anode spot discharges and probe diagnostics

The high current regime of a magnetron-type discharge has been investigated. The discharge uses a permanent magnet as a cold cathode which emits secondary electrons while the chamber wall or a grounded electrode serves as the anode. As the discharge voltage is increased, the magnet develops cathode spots, which are short duration arcs that provide copious electrons to increase the discharge current dramatically. Short (1 μs), high current (200 A) and high voltage (750 V) discharge pulses are produced in a relaxation instability between the plasma and a charging capacitor. Spots are also observed on a negatively biased plane Langmuir probe. The probe current pulses are as large as those on the magnet, implying that the high discharge current does not depend on the cathode surface area but on the properties of the spots. The fast current pulses produce large inductive voltages, which can reverse the electrical polarity of the magnet and temporarily operate it as an anode. The discharge current may also oscillate at the frequency determined by the charging capacitor and the discharge circuit inductance. Each half cycle of high-current current pulses exhibits a fast (≃10 ns) current rise when a spot is formed. It induces high frequency (10–100 MHz) transients and ringing oscillations in probes and current circuits. Most probes behave like unmatched antennas for the electromagnetic pulses of spot discharges. Examples are shown to distinguish the source of oscillations and some rf characteristics of Langmuir probes.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

A direct density modulation cathode in magnetron

A direct Density Modulation Cathode (DMC) in magnetron is proposed in this paper. By removing the velocity modulation process, electron spokes corresponding to the dominant operating mode can be quickly formed when the DMC is used. Based on theoretical analysis, particle-in-cell simulations and experimental investigations are carried out for demonstration. The final results show that compared with conventional solid cathode and transparent cathode, the DMC can increase 68% and even 146% of relative microwave widths, respectively.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

Generalized space-charge limited current and virtual cathode behaviors in one-dimensional drift space

This paper reports the space-charge limited current (SLC) and virtual cathode behaviors in one-dimensional grounded drift space. A simple general analytical solution and an approximate solution for the planar diode are given. Through a semi-analytical method, a general solution for SLC in one-dimensional drift space is obtained. The behaviors of virtual cathode in the drift space, including dominant frequency, electron transit time, position, and transmitted current, are yielded analytically. The relationship between the frequency of the virtual cathode oscillation and the injected current presented may explain previously reported numerical works. Results are significant in facilitating estimations and further analytical studies.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2014

A hollow cathode ion source for production of primary ions for the BNL electron beam ion source

A hollow cathode ion source, based on one developed at Saclay, has been modified significantly and used for several years to produce all primary 1+ ions injected into the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider Electron Beam Ion Source (EBIS) at Brookhaven. Currents of tens to hundreds of microamperes have been produced for 1+ ions of He, C, O, Ne, Si, Ar, Ti, Fe, Cu, Kr, Xe, Ta, Au, and U. The source is very simple, relying on a glow discharge using a noble gas, between anode and a solid cathode containing the desired species. Ions of both the working gas and ionized sputtered cathode material are extracted, and then the desired species is selected using an ExB filter before being transported into the EBIS trap for charge breeding. The source operates pulsed with long life and excellent stability for most species. Reliable ignition of the discharge at low gas pressure is facilitated by the use of capacitive coupling from a simple toy plasma globe. The source design, and operating experience for the various species, is presented.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2015

Bent paths of a positive streamer and a cathode-directed spark leader in diffuse discharges preionized by runaway electrons

Diffuse discharges preionized by runaway electrons can produce large-area homogeneous discharges at elevated pressures, which is an intriguing phenomenon in the physics of pulsed discharges. In this paper, runaway-electron-preionized diffuse discharge (REP DD) was obtained in a wide pressure range (0.05–0.25 MPa), and under certain conditions a positive streamer and a cathode-directed spark leader could be observed to propagate at some angles to the applied (background) electric field lines. For a 16-mm gap at an air pressure of 0.08–0.1 MPa, the percentage of pulses in which such propagation is observed is about 5%–50% of their total number, and in the other pulses such bent paths could not be observed because there is even no streamer or cathode-directed spark leader in diffuse discharges. In our opinion, such propagation of the positive streamer and the cathode-directed spark leader at some angle to the background electric field lines owes to different increase rates of the electron density in different regions of the discharge volume under REP DD conditions. Therefore, during the formation of a REP DD, the increase of the electron density is inhomogeneous and nonsimultaneous, resulting in an electron density gradient at the ionization wave front.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2015

Negative hydrogen ion beam extraction from an AC heated cathode driven Bernas-type ion source

A plasma grid structure was installed to a Bernas-type ion source used for ion implantation equipment. A negative hydrogen (H{sup −}) ion beam was extracted by an AC driven ion source by adjusting the bias to the plasma grid. The extracted electron current was reduced by positively biasing the plasma grid, while an optimum plasma grid bias voltage for negative ion beam extraction was found to be positive 3 V with respect to the arc chamber. Source operations with AC cathode heating show extraction characteristics almost identical to that with DC cathode heating, except a minute increase in H{sup −} current at higher frequency of cathode heating current.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2015

Sensitive fast electron spectrometer in adjustable triode configuration with pulsed tunable laser for research on photo-induced field emission cathodes

We have completed an ultra-high vacuum system for sensitive fast electron spectroscopy from cold cathodes in triode configuration under high electric fields E (<100 MV/m) and pulsed tunable laser illumination (3.5 ns, 10 Hz, hν = 0.5-5.9 eV, and 0.3-17 mJ). The cathodes are prepared and inserted under clean room conditions and can be precisely 3D-positioned, cooled or heated (77-400 K). Commissioning results with the upgraded system are presented. Field emission measurements with a W tip yielded an energy resolution of 14 meV at 4 eV pass energy and a precise determination of the emitter work function, size, and temperature. Photoemission spectroscopy of short electron bunches from a virgin and laser-ablated S-GaP crystal and quantum efficiency measurements revealed surface states, energy relaxation, and band structure effects. In conclusion, this novel system is ready now for the development and characterization of photo-induced field emission cathodes.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2016

Boron ion beam generation utilizing lanthanum hexaboride cathodes: Comparison of vacuum arc and planar magnetron glow

Boron ion beams are widely used for semiconductor ion implantation and for surface modification for improving the operating parameters and increasing the lifetime of machine parts and tools. For the latter application, the purity requirements of boron ion beams are not as stringent as for semiconductor technology, and a composite cathode of lanthanum hexaboride may be suitable for the production of boron ions. We have explored the use of two different approaches to boron plasma production: vacuum arc and planar high power impulse magnetron in self-sputtering mode. For the arc discharge, the boron plasma is generated at cathode spots, whereas for the magnetron discharge, the main process is sputtering of cathode material. We present here the results of comparative test experiments for both kinds of discharge, aimed at determining the optimal discharge parameters for maximum yield of boron ions. For both discharges, the extracted ion beam current reaches hundreds of milliamps and the fraction of boron ions in the total extracted ion beam is as high as 80%.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗