Particle-in-cell Simulations of Cross-field Propagation by a Beam Composed of Positive and Negative Ions

Particle-in-cell simulations of a beam composed of positive and negative ions are performed to explore beam propagation in the presence of a transverse magnetic field. The dependences of propagation on parameters such as beam density and energy, spatial profiles of magnetic field and beam, and beam species are investigated. Initially, 2-D simulations of a slab beam are performed, with the possibility of moving to 3-D to assess effects on the head of the beam. The ability of such a beam to achieve cross-field propagation without dramatic beam losses may be of interest for applications in which delivery of a charge-neutral beam to a target in the presence of a magnetic field is desired.