Effect of Double Grid Cathode in IEC Device

We have proposed a new configuration on the cathode structure to improve a neutron yield without the application of external ion sources in an inertial electrostatic confinement (IEC) device. A neutron yield in the IEC device is closely related to the potential well structure generated inside the cathode and is proportional to the ion current. Therefore, the application of a double grid cathode structure to the IEC device is expected to produce a higher ion current and neutron yield than at a single grid cathode due to a high electric field strength generated around the cathode. These possibilities were verified as compared with the ion current calculated from both shape of the single and double grid cathode. Additionally from the results of ion���s lives and trajectories examined at various outer cathode voltages and grid cathode configurations by using particle simulations, the validity of the double grid cathode was confirmed