One-dimensional semiempirical model of plasma in an accelerator with closed electron drifts

The plasma structure in an accelerator with closed electron drifts is investigated experimentally and numerically based on the measured data on the angular and energy ion distribution in a plasma jet. The mathematical model is constructed in a one-dimensional steady-state approximation and is aimed at calculating spatial distributions of the electric potential and plasma density in the region of the most intense ionization of neutral atoms. A comparison of the numerically calculated model potential distributions with the results from direct probe measurements shows that the proposed approach provides an online analysis of the plasma structure in the ionization-acceleration zone.