Langmuir probe measurements in a vacuum arc plasma centrifuge

This work presents experimental data on several important parameters related to isotope enrichment and throughput in a vacuum arc plasma centrifuge. Using Langmuir probe measurements in the rotating magnetized plasma column, the axial drift velocity, electron temperature, and ion density were investigated for eight different metallic plasmas: C, Mg, Al, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb. For magnesium, the angular velocity of the plasma column was estimated from the axial velocity measurements using a modified slit technique, and the result was compared to values obtained from probe signals. Cathode erosion measurements were also made and checked against the plasma parameters for consistency. It was found that although the centrifuge operation at high magnetic field does not offer any obvious advantages, higher currents should increase throughput without degrading performance.