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

Abstract

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 (𝑉𝑏 ) depends on the product of the working gas pressure (P) and the gap distance between two electrodes (d). The minimum breakdown voltages(𝑉𝑏 )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 (𝑉𝑏 )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.