Electron energy distribution produced by beam-plasma dischargeIn an investigation of a beam-plasma discharge (BPD), the electron energy distribution of an electron beam moving through a partially ionized gas is analyzed. Among other results, it is found that the occurrence of BPD heats the initially cold electron beam from the accelerator. The directional intensity of electrons measured outside the beam core indicates that most particles suffer a single scattering in energy and pitch angle. At low currents this result is expected as beam particles collide with the neutral atmosphere, while in BPD the majority of particles is determined to still undergo a single scattering near the original beam core. The extended energy spectra at various beam currents show two rather distinct plasma populations, one centered at the initial beam energy (approximately 1500 eV) and the other at approximately 150 eV.
Document ID
19830052978
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Anderson, H. R. (Rice University Houston, TX, United States)
Gordeuk, J. (Rice Univ. Houston, TX, United States)
Jost, R. J. (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1982
Subject Category
Plasma Physics
Meeting Information
Meeting: Artificial particle beams in space plasma studies; Advanced Research Institute