An Investigation of Lithium Ion Sources on an Applied-B Extraction Diode on a PI-110A Accelerator

As part of the effort to develop an electrohydrodynamically (EHD) driven lithium ion source for the Particle Beam Fusion Accelerator II (PBFA II) at Sandia National Laboratories, we have begun experiments with liquid lithium and liquid lithium nitrate-filled anodes on the PI-110A accelerator. Several methods have been used to provide a lithium or lithium-bearing vertical anode surface that can be maintained above its melting point. Here we report preliminary results which indicate that a high purity (> 80 percent) Li+ beam is achievable from these anodes. Diagnostics include measurements of diode voltage, diode current, ion current, and a Thomson parabola analyzer to measure ion species. The possibility that ions are produced by an EHD phenomenon is discussed. Other mechanisms of ion production are considered.