Characterization of a broad beam ion source converted into a high intensity deuterium beam

Abstract

Avalanche Energy is developing deuterium ion beams for the Orbitron fusion device. For these and similar projects, modification of off-the-shelf high current ion sources enables affordable and rapidly accessible alternatives to custom-built systems. We have successfully operated the Veeco MARK I broad beam source on deuterium to create multi-keV energy ions. Directing this beam through a small aperture required carefully designed optics. Once a narrower beam was created, a faraday cup was used to measure the beam current and profile while a Thomson Parabola was developed to help understand the beam species and energy composition.