Ion-Collection in Space-Charge Limited Regime Utilizing a Gridded Energy Analyzer

Venetian blind grids are developed for a direct energy conversion (DEC) system for the ZaP-HD flow Z-pinch device. Using a gridded energy analyzer (GEA), data is gathered to validate charge-collection predictions at different grid voltages and plasma densities. Density into the GEA is adjusted using orifice plates with different transparencies to analyze the impact of space charge effects. Voltage applied to a positively charged grid is varied from 0 V to 200 V in 10 V increments for each orifice plate. Data collected of integrated-charge evolution from repeated plasma pulses are processed to calculate the plasma energy distribution. Preliminary results aim to determine the maximum charge accumulated on the collector grid with the current GEA setup and experimental variables. Moving forward, this experimental data will be integrated into a Python model that simulates GEA ion collection behavior, supporting design decisions for the DEC system.