Why Negative Hydrogen/Deuterium Ion Generators?

In summary, the conversation discussed the use of negative hydrogen ion generators in the context of fusion. These generators are used to produce a neutral beam of hydrogen/deuterium, which is then injected into the fusion chamber. Negative ions are preferred because the extra electron can be easily stripped off before injection. The conversation also mentioned some sources for further information on negative ion sources, including an author's explanation of the low binding energy of the electron in negative ions and its role in achieving high neutralisation efficiency. Other resources mentioned were papers from FermiLab and IAEA on ion sources and the concept of neutral beam injection.
  • #1
Chorlton
Auto-Search gives me some hints.

I did a Google for "Hydrogen Ion Generator" and got a load of hits about "Negative Hydrogen Ion Generators". They almost seem to be 'fusion specific'. Are they used because the required end result is a neutral beam of Hydrogen/Deuterium for injection into the fusion chamber and the negative ions can be accelerated with the extra electron being easily stripped off before injection?
 
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  • #2
Negative ion sources are also used with accelerators.

One author puts it: "The electron captured in the negative ion has a very low binding energy called affinity of Ea = 0.75 eV. Ion can easily lose the electron and become neutral, and this is a reason why a high neutralisation efficiency can be achieved with negative ions."
Ref: http://mafija.fmf.uni-lj.si/seminar/files/2004_2005/NBI1.pdf

Some discussion in the following papers:
FermiLab - Negative Hydrogen Ion Sources for Accelerators
IAEA - Ion Sources

One can also search on "neutral beam injection".
 

1. Why do we need negative hydrogen/deuterium ion generators?

Negative hydrogen/deuterium ion generators are essential in the field of nuclear fusion research. These generators produce high-energy negative ions that are used to create plasma, the fourth state of matter, which is necessary for nuclear fusion reactions. These reactions have the potential to generate large amounts of clean energy, making negative ion generators crucial for future energy production.

2. How do negative hydrogen/deuterium ion generators work?

Negative hydrogen/deuterium ion generators use a process called ionization to create negative ions. In this process, a gas, such as hydrogen or deuterium, is introduced into a chamber and then bombarded with high-energy electrons. This causes some of the atoms in the gas to lose an electron, creating negative ions. These ions are then extracted and accelerated to high energies, which are necessary for nuclear fusion reactions.

3. What are the benefits of using negative hydrogen/deuterium ion generators?

Negative hydrogen/deuterium ion generators have several benefits. They are highly efficient at producing high-energy negative ions, which are crucial for nuclear fusion reactions. They also have a high power output, making them suitable for large-scale energy production. Additionally, these generators can operate at relatively low temperatures, reducing the risk of damage to equipment and making them safer to use.

4. Are there any challenges associated with using negative hydrogen/deuterium ion generators?

While negative hydrogen/deuterium ion generators have many benefits, there are also some challenges associated with their use. One challenge is the high temperatures and pressures required for nuclear fusion reactions, which can put a strain on the equipment. Another challenge is the potential for radiation exposure, as the high-energy ions produced by these generators can be harmful to living organisms.

5. What are some current applications of negative hydrogen/deuterium ion generators?

Currently, the main application of negative hydrogen/deuterium ion generators is in nuclear fusion research. These generators are used to produce the plasma necessary for fusion reactions and are an essential component of experimental fusion reactors. In the future, it is possible that negative ion generators could also be used for large-scale clean energy production through commercial fusion reactors.

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