This Master's thesis investigates alternative plasma Inertial Electrostatic Confinement (IEC) device applications and highlights their potential beyond energy production. The main focus is on understanding the fundamental physical properties of the IEC device and exploring the feasibility of achieving nuclear fusion by upgrading the system. The IEC device, designed at the Jožef Stefan Institute (IJS), acts as a research instrument and an educational tool.
This work includes the design and assessment of the influence that the free parameters of the IEC device have on plasma behavior. The design of the device, including the cathode network, the vacuum and gas systems integration, and the interconnection of all components, was carried out by myself at the Reactor physics division of the JSI. The design allows for computer-controlled monitoring and data acquisition, which is crucial to ensure the consistency and adaptability of the experiment.
The findings reveal insights into the plasma discharge characteristics of the IEC device. Different cathode dimensions lead to different plasma dynamics, indicating higher ionization and charge transfer performance for larger cathodes. Manipulation of the gas pressure leads to an increase in the peak current at higher pressures, which can be attributed to a higher ionization probability. A comparative analysis of hydrogen and helium as working gases reveals differences in plasma discharge for these gases.
Although achieving fusion is still beyond the reach of this device, the experiment establishes a basis for the possibility of optimizing the device and the possibility of implementing improvements. An improved device could contribute to the learning process and open up opportunities for further research in plasma physics and fusion.
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