Construction of an electron beam source for dusty plasma studies

The kinetic effects on the dust particles in a plasma crystal locally irradiated by a narrow, pulsed electron beam (EB) with energies from 10 – 15 keV have recently been presented. [C.M. Ticoş, et. al., Phys. Plasmas, Phys. Plasmas 26, 043702 (2019)., C.M. Ticoş, et. al., Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 62, 025003 (2020)] These preliminary studies have revealed that the EB pushes the dust particles in the irradiation zone, leading to both laminar and turbulent flow. To extend these preliminary studies, we have begun constructing an electron beam source that is capable of operating over a wider parameter space. In this poster, we present work in the construction of this improved electron source and planned experiments.