Proof-of-principle of a compact 300 kV multi-isotope AMS facility

Abstract

A proof-of-principle experiment of a compact 300 kV multi-isotope AMS system is presented. An existing spectrometer (Tandy 500 kV AMS system) was combined with a novel 300 kV vacuum insulated tandem acceleration unit. Based on new models and simulation tools, the stripper geometry and acceleration was optimized for He stripping at low energies and was adapted to the spectrometer’s ion optics. AMS measurements of Be-10 and Al-26 were performed with the degrader foil method and a prototype passive absorber, respectively, while isobar correction methods were applied for Ca-41 measurements. Further tests were performed with I-129 and the actinides (uranium). The results are presented and show high efficiencies with overall transmissions of up to 50% and an improvement of abundance sensitivity of an order of magnitude for actinides. Based on the results a new compact (300 kV) multi-isotope AMS system has been designed which will require less than 25 m2 of floor space.