We first pay attention to the inflight charge state distribution
in a Pb ion beam propagating in a reactor-sized chamber delimited
by metallic walls. We thus compare Livermore (code BIC) and
Orsay (code BPIC) distributions in the presence of a residual
Flibe gas pressure. Next, we replace the electron plasma due
to Flibe ionization by a gliding plasma produced by the polarization
of the incoming ion beam on insulating walls. Corresponding electrons,
when attracted by the beam, are demonstrated to yield a very efficient
current neutralization.
Conducting versus insulating walls in a heavy ion reaction chamber