Optimization of H− production in a magnetically filtered multicusp source

Abstract

Different techniques to increase the H⁻ yield in a multicusp source have been investigated. It is shown that the extracted H⁻ current can be enhanced by optimizing the discharge voltage, the neutral gas pressure, or by employing a magnetoelectrostatic containment scheme. A factor of 6 increase in H⁻ output has been achieved by placing the extractor very close to the magnetic filter. It is also found that the extracted electron current is much reduced at this optimum geometry.