NEGATIVELY CHARGED OPEN-ENDED PLASMA TO STRIP AND CONFINE HEAVY IONS

A negatively charged plasma with energetic magnetic-mirror-confined electrons may provide a suitable environment for long-term ion confinement and for intense multiple ionization of heavy ions. Classical rates for ion loss from the negative potential well are low compared with the comparable ion mirror-loss rates. It is proposed to maintain the plasma by steady electron injection together with cyclotron acceleration for electron trapping and heating. © 1969 The American Physical Society.