Production of Ce negative ions in a Cs sputter ion source

Abstract

We have developed a new technique for stable production of lanthanide negative ions in a cesium sputter ion source without damage to the ionizer. Lanthanide elements sticking to a cesium ionizer deteriorate an ionization efficiency of the ionizer because of their characteristics such as low vapor pressures and low work functions. We have resolved the problem to make a sputter cathode that has a predrilled double layer structure. Cerium oxide powder pressed in the cathode pellet was covered by tungsten and drilled. Using this cathode, we achieved smaller solid angle emission of the sputtered lanthanide elements from the bottom of the drilled hole, and most of them could pass through the center hole of the ionizer. As a result, damage to the ionizer decreased, and stable operation of the ion source was successfully achieved with a cerium oxide beam current of 600 nA for 24 h continuous operation. The technique was applied for production of other rare earth ions.