Engineering topics

Bhattacharjee, Sudeep

Publications and source records attributed to Bhattacharjee, Sudeep.

At least 19 records

DOE OSTI2016

Design of a portable optical emission tomography system for microwave induced compact plasma for visible to near-infrared emission lines

A new non-invasive diagnostic system is developed for Microwave Induced Plasma (MIP) to reconstruct tomographic images of a 2D emission profile. A compact MIP system has wide application in industry as well as research application such as thrusters for space propulsion, high current ion beams, and creation of negative ions for heating of fusion plasma. Emission profile depends on two crucial parameters, namely, the electron temperature and density (over the entire spatial extent) of the plasma system. Emission tomography provides basic understanding of plasmas and it is very useful to monitor internal structure of plasma phenomena without disturbing its actual processes. This paper presents development of a compact, modular, and versatile Optical Emission Tomography (OET) tool for a cylindrical, magnetically confined MIP system. It has eight slit-hole cameras and each consisting of a complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor linear image sensor for light detection. The optical noise is reduced by using aspheric lens and interference band-pass filters in each camera. The entire cylindrical plasma can be scanned with automated sliding ring mechanism arranged in fan-beam data collection geometry. The design of the camera includes a unique possibility to incorporate different filters to get the particular wavelength light from the plasma. This OET system includes selected band-pass filters for particular argon emission 750 nm, 772 nm, and 811 nm lines and hydrogen emission H{sub α} (656 nm) and H{sub β} (486 nm) lines. Convolution back projection algorithm is used to obtain the tomographic images of plasma emission line. The paper mainly focuses on (a) design of OET system in detail and (b) study of emission profile for 750 nm argon emission lines to validate the system design.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

DOE OSTI2015

Rapid measurement of charged particle beam profiles using a current flux grating

The principle and physics issues of charged particle beam diagnostics using a current flux grating are presented. Unidirectional array of conducting channels with interstitial insulating layers of spacing d is placed in the beam path to capture flux of charge and electronically reproduce an exact beam current profile with density variation. The role of secondary electrons due to the impinging particle beam (both electron and ion) on the probe is addressed and a correction factor is introduced. A 2-dimensional profile of the electron beam is obtained by rotating the probe about the beam axis. Finally, a comparison of measured beam profile with a Gaussian is presented.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

DOE OSTI2014

Stopping potential and ion beamlet control for micro-resistive patterning through sub-Debye length plasma apertures

Focused multiple ion beamlets from a microwave plasma source is investigated for localized micron-scale modification of substrates in a patterned manner. Plasma electrodes (PE) with an array of through apertures having aperture diameters of the order of plasma Debye length are investigated for generating the beamlets. Extraction through sub-Debye length apertures becomes possible when the PE is kept at floating potential. It is found that the current – voltage characteristics of the extracted beamlets exhibits interesting features such as a space-charge-limited region that has a different behaviour than the conventional Child-Langmuir’s law and an extraction-voltage-limited region that does not undergo saturation but exhibits a Schottky-like behaviour similar to that of a vacuum diode. A switching technique to control the motion of individual beamlets is developed and the stopping potential determined. The beamlets are thereafter used to create localized micro-resistive patterns. The experimental results are compared with simulations and reasonably good agreement is obtained.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2014

Evolution of the electron energy distribution function during genesis of breakdown plasma

During the process of plasma initiation by an electromagnetic wave, it is found that the electron energy distribution function (EEDF) that is initially Maxwellian with the most probable energy at room temperature, evolves with time and tends toward a Bi-Maxwellian – indicating attainment of thermodynamic equilibrium in the individual electron populations prior to breakdown, with a significant increase in hot electron density. In the intermediate states during the evolution, however, non-equilibrium processes are prevalent under fast pulse excitation and the EEDF initially exhibits substantial deviation from a Maxwellian. An analysis of the deviation has been carried out by optimizing the residual sum of squares of the probabilities obtained from the simulation and a fitted Maxwellian curve. The equilibrium regain time defined as the time required to attain thermodynamic equilibrium again, is investigated as a function of neutral pressure, wave electric, and external magnetostatic fields.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2014

Dispersion and waves in bounded plasmas with subwavelength inhomogeneities: Genesis of MEFIB

Bounded plasma exhibit many interesting behavior that are not found in plasmas of 'infinite' extent such as space and astrophysical plasmas. Our studies have revealed that the dispersion properties of waves in a bounded magnetoplasma deviates considerably from the predictions of the Clemmow-Mullaly-Allis (CMA) model, giving rise to new regimes of wave propagation and absorption. The anisotropy of the medium dictated by the length scales of plasma nonuniformity and magnetostatic field inhomogeneity lead to rotation of the polarization axis an effect similar to the Cotton-Mouton effect in a magneto-optic medium but with distinct differences due to wave induced resonances. This article highlights some of these interesting effects observed experimentally and corroborated with Monte Carlo simulations. One of the principal outcomes of this research is the genesis of a novel multielement focused ion beam (MEFIB) system that utilizes compact bounded plasmas in a minimum – B field to provide intense focused ion beams of a variety of elements for new research in nanoscience and technology.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

DOE OSTI2014

Trapping of electrons in troughs of self generated electromagnetic standing waves in a bounded plasma column

Observations and measurements are reported on electron trapping in troughs of self-generated electromagnetic standing waves in a bounded plasma column confined in a minimum-B field. The boundaries are smaller than the free space wavelength of the waves. Earlier work of researchers primarily focused upon electron localization effects induced by purely electrostatic perturbation. We demonstrate the possibility in the presence of electromagnetic standing waves generated in the bounded plasma column. The electron trapping is verified with electrostatic measurements of the plasma floating potential, electromagnetic measurements of the wave field profile, and optical intensity measurements of Argon ionic line at 488 nm. The experimental results show a reasonably good agreement with predictions of a Monte Carlo simulation code that takes into account all kinematical and dynamical effects in the plasma in the presence of bounded waves and external fields.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2013

Electron random walk and collisional crossover in a gas in presence of electromagnetic waves and magnetostatic fields

This paper deals with random walk of electrons and collisional crossover in a gas evolving toward a plasma, in presence of electromagnetic (EM) waves and magnetostatic (B) fields, a fundamental subject of importance in areas requiring generation and confinement of wave assisted plasmas. In presence of EM waves and B fields, the number of collisions N suffered by an electron with neutral gas atoms while diffusing out of the volume during the walk is significantly modified when compared to the conventional field free square law diffusion; N=1.5({Lambda}/{lambda}){sup 2}, where {Lambda} is the characteristic diffusion length and {lambda} is the mean free path. There is a distinct crossover and a time scale associated with the transition from the elastic to inelastic collisions dominated regime, which can accurately predict the breakdown time ({tau}{sub c}) and the threshold electric field (E{sub BD}) for plasma initiation. The essential features of cyclotron resonance manifested as a sharp drop in {tau}{sub c}, lowering of E{sub BD} and enhanced electron energy gain is well reproduced in the constrained random walk.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2012

Negative ion rich plasmas in continuous and pulsed wave modes in a minimum-B magnetic field

Generation of hydrogen negative ion rich plasmas is investigated in continuous wave (CW) and pulse modulated (PM) wave modes of 2.45 GHz in a minimum-B magnetic field. The waves are launched directly into the plasma device and utilize wave particle resonances for high density plasma generation. In CW operation, the chamber is divided into two sections, namely, the source and downstream region, separated by a transverse magnetic field that allows only cold electrons ({approx}1 eV) into the downstream region helpful for the generation of negative ions. The H{sup -} density is measured by the second derivative beat method and is compared with the values obtained from a steady state model and the extracted current density. In the pulsed mode, temporal filtering generates negative ion rich plasmas in the afterglow phase. The H{sup -} density in the afterglow is estimated using saturation current ratio method and the results are compared with a time dependent model using particle balance equations. The essential idea in both the filtering techniques is to assist generation of negative ions and prevent its destruction by hot electrons.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2012

Observation of threshold energy and hysteresis in high current ion beam guiding and transmission through a micro-glass-capillary

The energy dependent guiding of high current density (0.1-3 A/m{sup 2}) argon ion beams through a micro-glass-capillary is studied. It is observed that ion transmission through the capillary takes place only if its energy is greater than the retarding potential barrier, which depends upon the amount of charge deposited on the capillary inner wall. Foremost evidence of the observation that the transmitted current exhibits hysteresis with ion energy is presented. Particle in cell simulations carried out by solving Poisson's and Newton's force equation self-consistently, agree reasonably well with the experimental results.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

DOE OSTI2012

Utilizing upper hybrid resonance for high density plasma production and negative ion generation in a downstream region

Localized wave-induced resonances are created by microwaves launched directly into a multicusp (MC) plasma device in the k Up-Tack B mode, where k is the wave vector and B is the static magnetic field. The resonance zone is identified as upper hybrid resonance (UHR), and lies r = {approx}22 mm away from the MC boundary. Measurement of radial wave electric field intensity confirms the right hand cutoff of the wave (r = 22.5-32.1 mm) located near the UHR zone. A sharp rise in the corresponding electron temperature in the resonance region by {approx}13 eV from its value away from resonance at r = 0, is favorable for the generation of vibrationally excited molecules of hydrogen. A transverse magnetic filter allows cold electrons ({approx}1-2 eV) to pass into the downstream region where they generate negative ions by dissociative attachment. Measurements of electron energy distribution function (EEDF) support the viewpoint. H{sup -} current density of {approx}0.26 mA/cm{sup 2} is obtained at a wave power density of {approx}3 W/cm{sup 2} at 2.0 mTorr pressure, which agrees reasonably well with results obtained from a steady state model using particle balance equations.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2012

Transition from interpulse to afterglow plasmas driven by repetitive short-pulse microwaves in a multicusp magnetic field

In the power-off phase, plasmas generated by repetitive short-pulse microwaves in a multicusp magnetic field show a transitive nature from interpulse to afterglow as a function of pulse duration t{sub w} = 20-200 {mu}s. The ionized medium can be driven from a highly non equilibrium to an equilibrium state inside the pulses, thereby dictating the behavior of the plasma in the power-off phase. Compared to afterglows, interpulse plasmas observed for t{sub w} < 50 {mu}s are characterized by a quasi-steady-state in electron density that persists for {approx} 20-40 {mu}s even after the end of the pulse and has a relatively slower decay rate ({approx} 4.3 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 4} s{sup -1}) of the electron temperature, as corroborated by optical measurements. The associated electron energy probability function indicates depletion in low energy electrons which appear at higher energies just after the end of the pulse. The transition occurs at t{sub w} {approx} 50 {mu}s as confirmed by time evolution of integrated electron numbers densities obtained from the distribution function.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2012

Effect of beam limiting aperture and collector potential on multi-element focused ion beams

A compact microwave driven plasma based multi-element focused ion beam system has been developed. In the present work, the effect of reduced beam limiter (BL) aperture on the focused ion beam parameters, such as current and spot size, and a method of controlling beam energy independently by introducing a biased collector at focal point (FP) are investigated. It is found that the location of FP does not change due to the reduction of BL aperture. The location of FP and beam size are found to be weakly dependent on the collector potential in the range from -8 kV to -18 kV.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

DOE OSTI2012

Observation of electron plasma waves inside large amplitude electromagnetic pulses in a temporally growing plasma

Observation of electron plasma waves excited inside high power ({approx}10 kW) short pulse ({approx}20 {mu}s) electromagnetic (em) waves interacting with a gaseous medium (argon) in the pressure range 0.2-2.5 mTorr is reported. The waves have long wavelength ({approx}13 cm) and get damped at time scales slower ({approx}3 {mu}s) than the plasma period (0.1-0.3 {mu}s), the energy conveyed to the medium lead to intense ionization (ion density n{sub i} {approx} 10{sup 11} cm{sup -3} and electron temperature T{sub e} {approx} 6-8 eV) and rapid growth of the plasma ({approx}10{sup 5} s{sup -1}) beyond the waves. Time frequency analysis of the generated oscillations indicate the presence of two principal frequencies centered around 3.8 MHz and 13.0 MHz with a spread {Delta}f {approx} 4 MHz, representing primarily two population of electrons in the plasma wave. The experimental results are in reasonable agreement with a model that considers spatiotemporal forces of the em wave on the medium, space charges and diffusion.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2011

Investigation of effect of excitation frequency on electron energy distribution functions in low pressure radio frequency bounded plasmas

Particle in cell (PIC) simulations are employed to investigate the effect of excitation frequency {omega} on electron energy distribution functions (EEDFs) in a low pressure radio frequency (rf) discharge. The discharge is maintained over a length of 0.10 m, bounded by two infinite parallel plates, with the coherent heating field localized at the center of the discharge over a distance of 0.05 m and applied perpendicularly along the y and z directions. On varying the excitation frequency f (={omega}/2{pi}) in the range 0.01-50 MHz, it is observed that for f {<=} 5 MHz the EEDF shows a trend toward a convex (Druyvesteyn-like) distribution. For f > 5 MHz, the distribution resembles more like a Maxwellian with the familiar break energy visible in most of the distributions. A prominent ''hot tail'' is observed at f{>=} 20 MHz and the temperature of the tail is seen to decrease with further increase in frequency (e.g., at 30 MHz and 50 MHz). The mechanism for the generation of the ''hot tail'' is considered to be due to preferential transit time heating of energetic electrons as a function of {omega}, in the antenna heating field. There exists an optimum frequency for which high energy electrons are maximally heated. The occurrence of the Druyvesteyn-like distributions at lower {omega} may be explained by a balance between the heating of the electrons in the effective electric field and elastic cooling due to electron neutral collision frequency {nu}{sub en}; the transition being dictated by {omega} {approx} 2{pi}{nu}{sub en}.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2011

Anisotropy induced wave birefringence in bounded supercritical plasma confined in a multicusp magnetic field

Laboratory observation of rotation of the polarization axis ({theta}{sub c{approx}}20 deg. - 40 deg. with respect to vacuum) of a penetrating electromagnetic wave through a bounded supercritical plasma (plasma frequency {omega}{sub p}>wave frequency {omega}), confined in a multicusp magnetic field is reported. Birefringence of the radial and polar wave electric field components (E{sub r} and E{sub {theta}}) has been identified as the cause for the rotation, similar to a magneto-optic medium, however, with distinct differences owing to the presence of wave induced resonances. Numerical simulation results obtained by solving the Maxwell's equations by incorporating the plasma and magnetostatic field inhomogeneities within a conducting boundary shows a reasonable agreement with the experimental results.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

DOE OSTI2011

Penetration and screening of perpendicularly launched electromagnetic waves through bounded supercritical plasma confined in multicusp magnetic field

The question of electromagnetic wave penetration and screening by a bounded supercritical ({omega}{sub p}>{omega} with {omega}{sub p} and {omega} being the electron-plasma and wave frequencies, respectively) plasma confined in a minimum B multicusp field, for waves launched in the k perpendicular B{sub o} mode, is addressed through experiments and numerical simulations. The scale length of radial plasma nonuniformity (|n{sub e}/({partial_derivative}n{sub e}/{partial_derivative}r)|) and magnetostatic field (B{sub o}) inhomogeneity (|B{sub o}/({partial_derivative}B{sub o}/{partial_derivative}r)|) are much smaller than the free space ({lambda}{sub o}) and guided wavelengths ({lambda}{sub g}). Contrary to predictions of plane wave dispersion theory and the Clemow-Mullaly-Allis (CMA) diagram, for a bounded plasma a finite propagation occurs through the central plasma regions where {alpha}{sub p}{sup 2}={omega}{sub p}{sup 2}/{omega}{sup 2}{>=}1 and {beta}{sub c}{sup 2}={omega}{sub ce}{sup 2}/{omega}{sup 2}<<1({approx}10{sup -4}), with {omega}{sub ce} being the electron cyclotron frequency. Wave screening, as predicted by the plane wave model, does not remain valid due to phase mixing and superposition of reflected waves from the conducting boundary, leading to the formation of electromagnetic standing wave modes. The waves are found to satisfy a modified upper hybrid resonance (UHR) relation in the minimum B field and are damped at the local electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) location.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2011

Compact electrostatic beam optics for multi-element focused ion beams: Simulation and experiments

Electrostatic beam optics for a multi-element focused ion beam (MEFIB) system comprising of a microwave multicusp plasma (ion) source is designed with the help of two widely known and commercially available beam simulation codes: AXCEL-INP and SIMION. The input parameters to the simulations are obtained from experiments carried out in the system. A single and a double Einzel lens system (ELS) with and without beam limiting apertures (S) have been investigated. For a 1 mm beam at the plasma electrode aperture, the rms emittance of the focused ion beam is found to reduce from {approx}0.9 mm mrad for single ELS to {approx}0.5 mm mrad for a double ELS, when S of 0.5 mm aperture size is employed. The emittance can be further improved to {approx}0.1 mm mrad by maintaining S at ground potential, leading to reduction in beam spot size ({approx}10 {mu}m). The double ELS design is optimized for different electrode geometrical parameters with tolerances of {+-}1 mm in electrode thickness, electrode aperture, inter electrode distance, and {+-}1{sup o} in electrode angle, providing a robust design. Experimental results obtained with the double ELS for the focused beam current and spot size, agree reasonably well with the simulations.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

DOE OSTI2010

Ion energy distribution near a plasma meniscus with beam extraction for multi element focused ion beams

An earlier study of the axial ion energy distribution in the extraction region (plasma meniscus) of a compact microwave plasma ion source showed that the axial ion energy spread near the meniscus is small ({approx}5 eV) and comparable to that of a liquid metal ion source, making it a promising candidate for focused ion beam (FIB) applications [J. V. Mathew and S. Bhattacharjee, J. Appl. Phys. 105, 96101 (2009)]. In the present work we have investigated the radial ion energy distribution (IED) under the influence of beam extraction. Initially a single Einzel lens system has been used for beam extraction with potentials up to -6 kV for obtaining parallel beams. In situ measurements of IED with extraction voltages upto -5 kV indicates that beam extraction has a weak influence on the energy spread ({+-}0.5 eV) which is of significance from the point of view of FIB applications. It is found that by reducing the geometrical acceptance angle at the ion energy analyzer probe, close to unidirectional distribution can be obtained with a spread that is smaller by at least 1 eV.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗