METHOD OF GENERATING STREAM OF NEGATIVE IONS Russian patent published in 2009 - IPC H01J27/02 

FIELD: physics.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to the technology of generating streams of negative ions and can be used in charged particle accelerators, plasma heating systems and other devices. The method of generating negative ions is based on desorption of hydrogen particles in form of negative ions from the surface of a converter, made from material with negative electron affinity, for example diamond. To increase intensity of the beam of pulled negative ions in immediate proximity of the converter, high-current gas discharge plasma is generated, which is a source of intense streams of neutral atoms and electrons, which provide for saturation of the atomic layer adsorbed on the surface of the converter and filling the conduction zone with electrons. Molecular hydrogen is fed to the converter such that, it flows through the dense gas discharge zone so as to increase degree of dissociation. Negative electrons are pulled from the converter, bypassing plasma columns. The converter used is an anode or part of an anode of a gas-discharge cell.

EFFECT: increased intensity of beam of negative ions of hydrogen isotopes without using alkali metals as catalyst.

2 cl, 1 dwg