A prototype ion source for RIB production in a reactor

Abstract

A prototype ion source for RIB production in a reactor has been developed at China Institute of Atomic Energy to demonstrate the feasibility. The ion source has to be compact enough to fit into the neutron tunnel of the reactor. Also the ion source has to withstand the tens of kW heat from target fission. An electric heater is used to simulate the fission heat; at the same time the cathode of the ion source is heated to emit electrons which are energized between anode and cathode to ionize the fission product. The details of the ion source and its preliminary test results will be presented.