Estimates of the electron density in an ECR source of calcium plasma

A technique is proposed for estimating parameters of the plasma produced by a source based on the electron cyclotron resonance. The analysis is made for the ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) facility designed for separating calcium isotopes. It is assumed that the resonance condition for an extraordinary wave is fulfilled for electrons moving towards the wave. The plasma optical thickness, the transverse energy of resonance electrons, and its dependence on the longitudinal velocity are determined. The charged particle density in the plasma flow is estimated in terms of the balance of the electrons generated as a result of vapor ionization in the discharge zone and the electron losses due to longitudinal ambipolar diffusion.