Showing papers on "Charged particle published in 2008"

On the possibility of making a geometrically symmetric RF-CCP discharge electrically asymmetric

Abstract: A fundamental problem in technological plasmas has been how to control the ion energy and the ion flux (plasma density) independently of one another. A simple, but previously overlooked asymmetry effect is reported that should allow a high degree of control of the ion energy. The idea is that when a temporally symmetric, multi-frequency voltage waveform containing one or more even harmonics is applied to a discharge, even a geometrically symmetric one, the two sheaths are necessarily asymmetric. To balance the charged particle fluxes, a dc self-bias develops. Optimally, this is achieved with a dual frequency discharge that uses the phase locked fundamental and its second harmonic. The resulting dc self-bias and hence the ion energy are a nearly linear function of the phase angle between the two applied RF voltages. This works even for geometrically symmetric discharges, and the roles of the two electrodes can be reversed using the phase. This means that the technique can be used to increase or decrease the ion energy striking a substrate while leaving the applied RF voltage and frequency and thereby the discharge parameters effectively unchanged.

Quantum Statistics of Nonideal Plasmas

Abstract: to the Physics of Nonideal Plasmas.- Quantum Statistical Theory of Charged Particle Systems.- Systems with Coulomb Interaction.- Bound and Scattering States in Plasmas. Binary Collision Approximation.- Thermodynamics of Nonideal Plasmas.- Nonequilibrium Nonideal Plasmas.- Transport and Relaxation Processes in Nonideal Plasmas.- Dense Plasmas in External Fields.

Biodegradable colloidal gels as moldable tissue engineering scaffolds

Abstract: A colloid gel can include a plurality of positive charged particles mixed and associated with a plurality of negative charged particles so as to form a three-dimensional matrix having a plurality of pores defined by and disposed between the particles. The three-dimensional matrix can have shear thinning under shear and structure stability in the absence of shear. A method of manufacturing the colloid gel can include combining the positive charged particles with the negative charged particles, in a mold or in situ, so as to form the three-dimensional matrix having the plurality of pores.

Schrödinger equation for a particle on a curved surface in an electric and magnetic field.

Abstract: We derive the Schrodinger equation for a spinless charged particle constrained to move on a curved surface in the presence of an electric and magnetic field. The particle is confined on the surface using a thin-layer procedure, which gives rise to the well-known geometric potential. The electric and magnetic fields are included via the four potential. We find that there is no coupling between the fields and the surface curvature and that, with a proper choice of the gauge, the surface and transverse dynamics are exactly separable. Finally, we derive an analytic form of the Hamiltonian for spherical, cylindrical, and toroidal surfaces.

Explosive Hydrogen Burning during Type I X-Ray Bursts

Abstract: Explosive hydrogen burning in type I X-ray bursts (XRBs) is driven by charged particle reactions creating isotopes with masses up to -->A ~ 100. Since charged particle reactions in a stellar environment are very temperature sensitive, we use a realistic time-dependent general relativistic and self-consistent model of type I X-ray bursts to provide accurate values of the burst temperatures and densities. This allows a detailed and accurate time-dependent identification of the reaction flow from the surface layers through the convective region and the ignition region to the neutron star ocean. Using this, we determine the relative importance of specific nuclear reactions in the X-ray burst.

Structural phase transitions in low-dimensional ion crystals

Abstract: A chain of singly charged particles, confined by a harmonic potential, exhibits a sudden transition to a zigzag configuration when the radial potential reaches a critical value, depending on the particle number. This structural change is a phase transition of second order, whose order parameter is the crystal displacement from the chain axis. We study analytically the transition using Landau theory and find full agreement with numerical predictions by Schiffer [Phys. Rev. Lett. 70, 818 (1993)] and Piacente et al. [Phys. Rev. B 69, 045324 (2004)]. Our theory allows us to determine analytically the system's behavior at the transition point.

Ultrashort electron pulses for diffraction, crystallography and microscopy: theoretical and experimental resolutions

Abstract: Pulsed electron beams allow for the direct atomic-scale observation of structures with femtosecond to picosecond temporal resolution in a variety of fields ranging from materials science to chemistry and biology, and from the condensed phase to the gas phase. Motivated by recent developments in ultrafast electron diffraction and imaging techniques, we present here a comprehensive account of the fundamental processes involved in electron pulse propagation, and make comparisons with experimental results. The electron pulse, as an ensemble of charged particles, travels under the influence of the space–charge effect and the spread of the momenta among its electrons. The shape and size, as well as the trajectories of the individual electrons, may be altered. The resulting implications on the spatiotemporal resolution capabilities are discussed both for the N-electron pulse and for single-electron coherent packets introduced for microscopy without space–charge.

Genetic effects of radio-frequency, atmospheric-pressure glow discharges with helium

Abstract: Due to low gas temperatures and high densities of active species, atmospheric-pressure glow discharges (APGDs) would have potential applications in the fields of plasma-based sterilization, gene mutation, etc. In this letter, the genetic effects of helium radio-frequency APGD plasmas with the plasmid DNA and oligonucleotide as the treated biomaterials are presented. The experimental results show that it is the chemically active species, instead of heat, ultraviolet radiation, intense electric field, and/or charged particles, that break the double chains of the plasmid DNA. The genetic effects depend on the plasma operating parameters, e.g., power input, helium flow rate, processing distance, time, etc.

Small SRS photon field profile dosimetry performed using a PinPoint air ion chamber, a diamond detector, a novel silicon-diode array "DOSI…, and polymer gel dosimetry. Analysis and intercomparison

Abstract: Small photon fields are increasingly used in modern radiotherapy and especially in IMRT and SRS/SRT treatments. The uncertainties related to small field profile measurements can introduce significant systematic errors to the overall treatment process. These measurements are challenging mainly due to the absence of charged particle equilibrium conditions, detector size and composition effects, and positioning problems. In this work four different dosimetric methods have been used to measure the profiles of three small 6 MV circular fields having diameters of 7.5, 15.0, and 30.0 mm: a small sensitive volume air ion chamber, a diamond detector, a novel silicon-diode array (DOSI), and vinyl-pyrrolidone based polymer gel dosimeter. The results of this work support the validity of previous findings, suggesting that (a) air ion chambers are not suitable for small field dosimetry since they result in penumbra broadening and require significant corrections due to severe charged particle transport alterations; (b) diamond detectors provide high resolution and rather accurate small field profile measurements, as long as positioning problems can be addressed and the necessary dose rate corrections are correctly applied; and (c) the novel silicon-diode array (DOSI) used in this study seems to be adequate for small field profile measurements overcoming positioning problems. Polymer gel data were assumed as reference data to which the other measurement data were compared both qualitatively and quantitatively using the gamma-index concept. Polymer gels are both phantom and dosimeter, hence there are no beam perturbation effects. In addition, polymer gels are tissue equivalent and can provide high-spatial density and high-spatial resolution measurements without positioning problems, which makes them useful for small field dosimetry measurements. This work emphasizes the need to perform beam profile measurements of small fields (for acceptance, commissioning, treatment planning systems data feed, and periodic quality assurance purposes) using more than one dosimetric method. The authors believe this to be a safe way towards the reduction of the overall uncertainty related to SRS/SRT treatments.

Model description of surface dielectric barrier discharges for flow control

Abstract: This paper presents a study of the development of a surface dielectric barrier discharge in air under conditions similar to those of plasma actuators for flow control. The study is based on results from a 2D fluid model of the discharge in air that provides the space and time evolution of the charged particle densities, electric field and surface charges. The electrohydrodynamic (EHD) force associated with the momentum transfer from charged particles to neutral molecules in the volume above the dielectric layer is also deduced from the model. Results show that the EHD force is important not only during the positive part of the sinusoidal voltage cycle (i.e. when the electrode on top of the dielectric layer plays the role of the anode) but also during the negative part of the cycle (cathode on top of the dielectric layer). During the positive part of the cycle, the EHD force is due to the formation of a positive ion cloud that is periodically interrupted by high current breakdown. The EHD force during the negative part of the cycle is due to the development of a negative ion cloud that continuously grows during the successive high frequency current pulses that form in this regime.

Pixel detectors for imaging with heavy charged particles

Abstract: State-of-the-art single quantum counting pixel detectors offer a large potential for different imaging applications. The TimePix pixel device can provide information about position and energy of the detected radiation allowing radiography with charged particles. Heavy charged particles of known initial energy lose their energy partially by going through a specimen material. If the resulting energies of particles passing the specimen are measured, then specimen structure can be revealed. This article shows experimental results of this technique acquired with alpha particles and the TimePix detector. The spatial resolution in detector plane depends on particle energy and can reach submicrometer level. The specimen thickness can be determined with precision up to 320 nm for organic materials if energy loss of individual alpha particle is measured.

Charged particle irradiation system

Abstract: A charged particle irradiation system that positions the beam at a target position to avoid irradiation of normal tissue includes an acceleration system 6 for extracting a charged particle beam, scanning magnets 24 and 25, and charged particle beam position monitors 26 and 27. On the basis of signals received from the charged particle beam position monitors 26 and 27, the control unit 70 calculates a beam position at a target position and then controls the scanning magnets 24 and 25 so that the charged particle beam is moved to a desired irradiation position at the target position. The control unit 70 corrects the value of an excitation current applied to each of the scanning magnets 24 and 25 on a specified cycle basis on the basis of information about the position and the angle of the charged particle beam.

The transport of cosmic rays in self‐excited magnetic turbulence

Abstract: The process of diffusive shock acceleration relies on the efficacy with which hydromagnetic waves can scatter charged particles in the precursor of a shock. The growth of self-generated waves is driven by both resonant and non-resonant processes. We perform high-resolution magnetohydrodynamic simulations of the non-resonant cosmic ray driven instability, in which the unstable waves are excited beyond the linear regime. In a snapshot of the resultant field, particle transport simulations are carried out. The use of a static snapshot of the field is reasonable given that the Larmor period for particles is typically very short relative to the instability growth time. The diffusion rate is found to be close to, or below, the Bohm limit for a range of energies. This provides the first explicit demonstration that self-excited turbulence reduces the diffusion coefficient and has important implications for cosmic-ray transport and acceleration in supernova remnants.

Pattern recognition of tracks induced by individual quanta of ionizing radiation in Medipix2 silicon detector

Abstract: Medipix2 is a semiconductor pixel detector (256×256 pixels, 55×55 μm 2 each) which can count individual quanta of radiation. The detector will respond differently for different types of radiation. If the acquisition time is short enough with respect to radiation intensity, one can see characteristic tracks of individual quanta in an image taken (e.g., curved lines for electrons, round shaped clusters for alpha particles, heavy ions and slow neutrons, cone shapes for fast neutrons, simple dots for low energy X-rays, etc.). For effective visualization of neutrons, the device has to be equipped by corresponding neutron converter, which converts neutrons to heavy charged particles. By analyzing these patterns, in this so-called “tracking mode” of operation, it is possible to distinguish individual tracks and classify them into predefined categories. For each “cluster” detected, the features (such as parameters describing the shape and energy deposition estimation) can be extracted and used to distinguish radiation type. The energy deposited can be estimated by using calibration measurements with different types of radiation and variation of the discrimination threshold.

Electric Potential Around an Absorbing Body in Plasmas: Effect of Ion-Neutral Collisions

Abstract: A simple linear kinetic model is used to investigate the combined effect of plasma absorption and ion-neutral collisions on the electric potential around a small absorbing body in weakly ionized plasmas. It is demonstrated that far from the body the potential decays considerably slower than the conventional Debye-Hueckel potential. Moreover, at distances exceeding approximately the ion mean free path, the potential approaches an unscreened Coulomb-like asymptote. Some important consequences of this result are discussed in the context of complex (dusty) plasmas.

A photoelectron-photoion coincidence imaging apparatus for femtosecond time-resolved molecular dynamics with electron time-of-flight resolution of {sigma}=18 ps and energy resolution {delta}E/E=3.5%

Abstract: We report on the construction and performance of a novel photoelectron-photoion coincidence machine in our laboratory in Amsterdam to measure the full three-dimensional momentum distribution of correlated electrons and ions in femtosecond time-resolved molecular beam experiments. We implemented sets of open electron and ion lenses to time stretch and velocity map the charged particles. Time switched voltages are operated on the particle lenses to enable optimal electric field strengths for velocity map focusing conditions of electrons and ions separately. The position and time sensitive detectors employ microchannel plates (MCPs) in front of delay line detectors. A special effort was made to obtain the time-of-flight (TOF) of the electrons at high temporal resolution using small pore (5 microm) MCPs and implementing fast timing electronics. We measured the TOF distribution of the electrons under our typical coincidence field strengths with a temporal resolution down to sigma=18 ps. We observed that our electron coincidence detector has a timing resolution better than sigma=16 ps, which is mainly determined by the residual transit time spread of the MCPs. The typical electron energy resolution appears to be nearly laser bandwidth limited with a relative resolution of DeltaE(FWHM)/E=3.5% for electrons with kinetic energy near 2 eV. The mass resolution of the ion detector for ions measured in coincidence with electrons is about Deltam(FWHM)/m=14150. The velocity map focusing of our extended source volume of particles, due to the overlap of the molecular beam with the laser beams, results in a parent ion spot on our detector focused down to sigma=115 microm.

Direct acceleration of electrons in a corrugated plasma waveguide.

Abstract: Historically, direct acceleration of charged particles by electromagnetic fields has been limited by diffraction, phase matching, and material damage thresholds. A recently developed plasma micro-optic [B. Layer et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 99, 035001 (2007)] removes these limitations and promises to allow high-field acceleration of electrons over many centimeters using relatively small femtosecond lasers. We present simulations that show a laser pulse power of 1.9 TW should allow an acceleration gradient larger than 80 MV/cm. A modest power of only 30 GW would still allow acceleration gradients in excess of 10 MV/cm.

Energy Deposition in Planetary Atmospheres by Charged Particles and Solar Photons

Abstract: We discuss here the energy deposition of solar FUV, EUV and X-ray photons, energetic auroral particles, and pickup ions. Photons and the photoelectrons that they produce may interact with thermospheric neutral species producing dissociation, ionization, excitation, and heating. The interaction of X-rays or keV electrons with atmospheric neutrals may produce core-ionized species, which may decay by the production of characteristic X-rays or Auger electrons. Energetic particles may precipitate into the atmosphere, and their collisions with atmospheric particles also produce ionization, excitation, and heating, and auroral emissions. Auroral energetic particles, like photoelectrons, interact with the atmospheric species through discrete collisions that produce ionization, excitation, and heating of the ambient electron population. Auroral particles are, however, not restricted to the sunlit regions. They originate outside the atmosphere and are more energetic than photoelectrons, especially at magnetized planets. The spectroscopic analysis of auroral emissions is discussed here, along with its relevance to precipitating particle diagnostics. Atmospheres can also be modified by the energy deposited by the incident pickup ions with energies of eV’s to MeV’s; these particles may be of solar wind origin, or from a magnetospheric plasma. When the modeling of the energy deposition of the plasma is calculated, the subsequent modeling of the atmospheric processes, such as chemistry, emission, and the fate of hot recoil particles produced is roughly independent of the exciting radiation. However, calculating the spatial distribution of the energy deposition versus depth into the atmosphere produced by an incident plasma is much more complex than is the calculation of the solar excitation profile. Here, the nature of the energy deposition processes by the incident plasma are described as is the fate of the hot recoil particles produced by exothermic chemistry and by knock-on collisions by the incident ions.

Bounds on long-lived charged massive particles from Big Bang nucleosynthesis

Abstract: The Big Bang nucleosynthesis (BBN) process in the presence of charged massive particles (CHAMPs) is studied in detail. All currently known effects due to the existence of bound states between CHAMPs and nuclei, including possible late-time destruction of 6Li and 7Li, are included. The study sets conservative bounds on CHAMP abundances in the decay time range . It is stressed that the production of 6Li at early times T~10 keV is overestimated by a factor ~10 when the approximation of the Saha equation for the 4He bound state fraction is utilized. To obtain conservative limits on the abundance of CHAMPs, a Monte Carlo analysis with ~3 × 106 independent BBN runs, varying the reaction rates of 19 different reactions, is performed. The analysis yields the surprising result that, except for small areas in the particle parameter space, conservative constraints on the abundance of decaying charged particles are currently very close to those of neutral particles. It is shown that, in the case that the rates of a number of heretofore unconsidered reactions may be determined reliably in the future, it is conceivable that the limit on CHAMPs in the early Universe could be tightened by orders of magnitude.

A clean, bright, and versatile source of neutron decay products

Abstract: We present a case study on a new type of beam station for the measurement of angular correlations in the β-decay of free neutrons. This beam station, called proton and electron radiation channel (PERC), is a cold-neutron guide that delivers at its open end, instead of neutrons, a beam of electrons and protons from neutron decays that take place far inside the guide. These charged neutron-decay products are magnetically guided to the end of the neutron guide, where they are separated from the cold-neutron beam. In this way, a general-purpose source of neutron decay products is obtained which can be operated as a user facility for a variety of different experiments in neutron decay correlation spectroscopy that may be installed at this beam station. The angular distribution of the emitted charged particles depends on the magnetic field configuration and can be chosen freely, according to the need of the experiment being carried out. A gain in phase space density of several orders of magnitude can be achieved with PERC, as compared to existing neutron decay spectrometers. Detailed calculations show that the spectra and angular distributions of the emerging electrons and protons will be distortion- and background-free on the level of 10−4, more than 10 times better than that achieved today.

Geometrical Charged-Particle Optics

Abstract: 1. Introduction.- 2. General Properties of the Electron.- 3. Multipole Expansion of the Electromagnetic Field .- 4. Gaussian Optics.- 5. General Principles of Particle Motion.- 6. Beam Properties.- 7. Path Deviations.- 8. Aberrations.- 9. Correction of Aberrations.- 10. Electron Mirrors.- 11. Optics of Electron Guns.- 12.Confinement of Charged Particles.- 13. Monochromator and Energy Filters.- 14. Relativistic Electron Motion and Spin Precession.

Generation of fast charged particles and superstrong magnetic fields in the interaction of ultrashort high-intensity laser pulses with solid targets

Abstract: Recent experimental and theoretical investigations are reviewed concerning the generation of fast charged particles and superstrong magnetic fields in the interaction of ultrashort laser pulses with solid targets. The mechanisms of generating fast charged particles in superstrong light fields of laser radiation with intensities ranging from 1017 to 1021 W cm–2 are considered. Electron acceleration due to vacuum heating, the ponderomotive potential, resonance absorption, the laser-driven wake field in the underdense part of plasma, cyclotron mechanism and some other mechanisms are thoroughly analyzed. Experimental data on the acceleration of protons and atomic ions by spatial charge fields on thin and thick solid targets are presented and theoretically interpreted. Particular attention is paid to the generation of superstrong quasistatic magnetic fields in laser plasmas and methods for measuring them under the action of various laser pulses of both femto- and picosecond durations. The possible formation of magnetic plasma configurations and magnetic plasma confinement are discussed.

Propagation of UHE Protons through Magnetized Cosmic Web

Abstract: If ultra-high-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) originate from extragalactic sources, understanding the propagation of charged particles through the magnetized large scale structure (LSS) of the universe is crucial in the search for the astrophysical accelerators. Based on a novel model of the turbulence dynamo, we estimate the intergalactic magnetic fields (IGMFs) in cosmological simulations of the formation of the LSS. Under the premise that the sources of UHECRs are strongly associated with the LSS, we consider a model in which protons with E >10^{19} eV are injected by sources that represent active galactic nuclei located inside clusters of galaxies. With the model IGMFs, we then follow the trajectories of the protons, while taking into account the energy losses due to interactions with the cosmic background radiation. For observers located inside groups of galaxies like ours, about 70% and 35% of UHECR events above 60 EeV arrive within ~15 degree and ~5 degree, respectively, of the source position with time delays of less than ~10^7 yr. This implies that the arrival direction of super-GZK protons might exhibit a correlation with the distribution of cosmological sources on the sky. In this model, nearby sources (within 10 - 20 Mpc) should contribute significantly to the particle flux above ~10^{20} eV.

A global hybrid model for Titan's interaction with the Kronian plasma: Application to the Cassini Ta flyby

Abstract: The interaction between the corotating magnetospheric plasma of Saturn and the exosphere of Titan is investigated by means of a three-dimensional and multispecies hybrid simulation model coupling charged and neutral species via three ionizing mechanisms: the absorption of extreme ultraviolet solar photons, the impacts of magnetospheric electrons, and the charge exchange reactions between ions and neutral atoms or molecules. The simulation model includes the low and energetic components of the magnetospheric plasma, the main exospheric neutral species (molecular hydrogen and nitrogen and methane), and the atmospheric slowing down of charged particles penetrating below the exobase. Ionization rates of the exospheric species are computed as consistently as possible for each of the three ionizing mechanisms by making use of the relevant local number densities and cross sections or ionization frequencies. This model is thus able to provide a priori estimates of the escaping fluxes of exospheric ionic species and to separate for the contributions of the different ionization sources. A simulation run has been made for the conditions encountered by spacecraft Cassini during flyby Ta of Titan on 26 October 2004. Results are presented to characterize the main features of the simulated plasma environment of Titan: the induced magnetic tail and the flow of magnetospheric plasma around Titan, as well as the wake and the acceleration of the planetary plasma. Considering the coarse spatial resolution of the present simulation, these features are in reasonable agreement with in situ plasma measurements made by spacecraft Cassini.

Discrimination of nuclear recoils from alpha particles with superheated liquids

Abstract: The PICASSO collaboration observed for the first time a significant difference between the acoustic signals induced by neutrons and alpha particles in a detector based on superheated liquids. This new discovery offers the possibility of improved background suppression and could be especially useful for dark matter experiments. This new effect may be attributed to the formation of multiple bubbles on alpha tracks, compared to single nucleations created by neutron-induced recoils.

Thermal and fast neutron detection in chemical vapor deposition single-crystal diamond detectors

Abstract: Recently, a compact solid-state neutron detector capable of simultaneously detecting thermal and fast neutrons was proposed [M. Marinelli et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 89, 143509 (2006)]. Its design is based on a p-type/intrinsic/metal layered structure obtained by Microwave Plasma Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) of homoepitaxial diamond followed by thermal evaporation of an Al contact and a L6iF converting layer. Fast neutrons are directly detected in the CVD diamond bulk, since they have enough energy to produce the C12(n,α)B9e reaction in diamond. Thermal neutrons are instead converted into charged particles in the L6iF layer through the L6i(n,α)T nuclear reaction. These charged particles are then detected in the diamond layer. The thickness of the L6iF converting layer and the CVD diamond sensing layer affect the counting efficiency and energy resolution of the detector both for low- (thermal) and high-energy neutrons. An analysis is carried out on the dynamics of the L6i(n,α)T and the C12(n,α)B9e reactions products, and the distribution of the energy released inside the sensitive layer is calculated. The detector counting efficiency and energy resolution were accordingly derived as a function of the thickness of the L6iF and CVD diamond layers, both for thermal and fast neutrons, thus allowing us to choose the optimum detector design for any particular application. Comparison with experimental results is also reported.

Unipolar Charging of Fine and Ultra-Fine Particles Using Carbon Fiber Ionizers

Abstract: A simple and novel unipolar charger using carbon fiber ionizers was developed to effectively charge fine and ultra-fine aerosol particles without the generation of ozone. The particle penetration in the charger was investigated for non-charged, neutralized, and singly charged particles in the size range of 20–200 nm. Particle loss and the intrinsic, exit and extrinsic charging efficiencies of fine and ultra-fine particles were also investigated for non-charged particles at different applied voltages to the charger. Particle penetrations in the charger were nearly 100% for particles larger than 20 nm, irrespective of the initial particle charging state. Particle losses in the charger could be decreased by decreasing the applied voltage to the charger from 4.0 kV to 2.3 kV. The intrinsic charging efficiencies were proportionally increased with the applied voltage, whereas the exit charging efficiencies were almost independent of the applied voltage. Therefore, the extrinsic charging efficiency of the charge...