Assessment of existing IEC models and a proposed new approach for modeling gridded systems

This paper assess the capabilities of existing computer models for inertial-electrostatic confinement (IEC) systems in both the glow discharge mode of operation and the low-pressure, multiple-grid systems. A comparison is made of the present computer simulations of generic IEC devices to today´s running gridded-IEC experiments, based on assumptions used in the models to the physical parameters of the experiments. The pros and cons of such an approach is argued, and a list of critical parameters for a more realistic solution is offered. In addition, an alternate approach to developing a self-consistent model for these modes of operation with gridded systems is proposed