Pre-discharge characteristics in NIPPER I

Abstract

The National Institute of Physics Plasma Experimental Rig I (NIPPER I) is a high current ion source developed at the University of the Philippines, initial tests and operating conditions are reported in this paper. Gas feedthrough tests after a base pressure ~10^-6 Torr has been attained indicates a pressure difference in the cathode and main discharge chambers as designed. The pre-discharge spark breakdown potential minimum is determined to be 254 volts at a critical pressure of 0.9 Torr in the cathode region and 0.3 Torr in the main discharge chamber.