Heavy ion beam probe energy analyzer for measurements of plasma potential fluctuations

Abstract

The operation of a Proca and Green type 30° parallel plate electrostatic energy analyzer is modeled in a new manner that permits high-resolution heavy ion beam probe measurements of fluctuating plasma potential. Systematic calibration procedures permit detection of potential changes smaller than 0.01% of the probing beam energy at frequencies up to a megahertz. Most recent applications of beam probes have made use of this new capability.