The Plasma Characterization of Argon and Helium Gases in Inertial Electrostatic Confinement Fusion Plasma Device

• Published in: Journal of Scientific Research in Science 2020-12, Vol.37 (1), p.165-181
• Main Authors: H.S.Elaraby, G.M.Elaragi, H.M.Abu-zeid, Sh.M.Talaat, A.M.A.El-hadary, W.E.Madcour
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: breakdown voltage; cathode grid; inertial electrostatic confinement plasma; paschen'scurve; townsend’s ionization coefficients
• ISSN: 2356-8364; 2356-8372
• DOI: 10.21608/JSRS.2020.221597

One of the numerous methods that could be used in order to confine hot fusion plasma is the Inertial Electrostatic Confinement (IEC) fusion. IEC plasma device was studied experimentally with Argon and Helium gases at different pressures. IEC will be supplied with an electric field to heat ions to suitable conditions for nuclear fusion. IEC fusion plasma device must be required to control plasma shape, color, and parameters easily. The inner electrode (cathode) and the outer electrode (the anode) were established with specific characteristics and features. Using Paschen's Curve, it is concluded that, the breakdown voltage (V_b ) depends on the product of the working gas pressure (P) and the gap distance between two electrodes (d). The minimum breakdown voltages(V_b )_minare 97.82volts atPd=0.5 torr.cm and 74.72volts at Pd=2 torr.cmfor the Argon and Helium gases respectively i.e. the minimum breakdown voltages (V_b )_minfor Argon gas is higher than minimum breakdown voltages for Helium gas. The Townsend Second Ionization Coefficient dependson the type of gas, the material of cathode, and reduced electric field (E/P).The visible light intensity of Argon glow plasma was found to be greater than Helium glow plasma.