Wave excitation and fast ion generation in a double plasma device

Abstract

Wave excitation and fast ion generation in a double plasma device are studied experimentally. Results show how a compressive density perturbation, propagating as a wave, is formed in the target plasma when a positive potential pulse is externally applied. Further, it is shown that fast ions are generated in a narrow plasma region close to the sheath near the grid because of reflection by the wave front during propagation of the wave.