Advances in the performance and understanding of the Spallation Neutron Source ion source

Abstract

The ion source developed for the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) is a radio-frequency, multicusp source designed to produce ∼40mA of H− with a normalized rms emittance of less than 0.2πmmmrad. To date, the source has been utilized in the commissioning of the SNS accelerator and has already demonstrated stable, satisfactory operation at beam currents of 10–40mA with duty factors of ∼0.1% for operational periods of several weeks. Ultimately the SNS facility will require beam duty factors of 6% (1ms pulse length, 60Hz repetition rate). To ascertain the capability of the source to deliver beams at this duty factor over sustained periods, ongoing experiments are being performed in which the ion source is continuously operated on a dedicated test stand. The results of these tests are reported as well as a theory of the Cs release and transport processes that was derived from these data. The theory was then employed to develop a more effective source-conditioning procedure and a direct-transfer Cs collar, which led to a considerable improvement in source performance.