Influence of magnetic field induction on the energy of ions and injection processes of ionized flows of working substances in a plasma mass separator

Abstract

The concept of plasma mass separation of substances in a configuration with a potential well implies the development of specialized plasma sources. The conversion of condensed matter into a low- temperature plasma flow and its further injection into the separation chamber is a crucial stage that largely determines the efficiency of the technological process. It is especially important if the aim of the concept is the separation of spent nuclear fuel (SNF). The energy distribution of charged particles at the starting point determines the trajectories of the separated elements in crossed E×B fields. In real experiments on the separation of substances, it is possible to use a plasma source in a fairly wide range of magnetic induction values up to 1400 G. In this paper, we present the results of studying the energy distributions of ions behind the anode plasma of a non-self-sustained arc discharge with a hot LaB 6 cathode and independent lead vapor injection.