Mass meter for an electromagnetic isotope separator

Abstract

Laboratory isotope separators originated from the principles of mass spectrometry and have reached a level of sophistication sufficient for separating stable isotopes for use in many experiments and for separating radioactive isotopes of very short duration. There is continuous development of different components, such as ion sources, focusing elements, collection methods oriented to needs for high efficiency, less contamination, and high resolution. A separator in one form or other can perform the separation of isotopes and can be used as a low energy accelerator for other applications or as a high-intensity mass spectrometer. It is possible to interchange the components of a separator to use it as a high or low intensity machine and to use it as a separator or an accelerator. Its applications cover a broad area in physics, including atomic physics, solid-state physics, and nuclear physics. On-line isotope separators and separators for ion implantation are developing rapidly for fruitful research in nuclear physics and solid state electronics; the impact of the latter in the industrial field has shown promising results. Further applications of isotope separators in radiation damage studies, radiation chemistry and surface chemistry studies, and as injectors for accelerators illustrate the versatility of the instruments.