Abstract
We present an upgrade to the particle-in-cell ion beam simulation code OPAL that enables us to run highly realistic simulations of the spiral inflector system of a compact cyclotron. This upgrade includes a new geometry class and field solver that can handle the complicated boundary conditions posed by the electrode system in the central region of the cyclotron both in terms of particle termination, and calculation of self-fields. Results are benchmarked against the analytical solution of a coasting beam. As a practical example, the spiral inflector and the first revolution in a 1 MeV/amu test cyclotron, located at Best Cyclotron Systems, Inc., are modeled and compared to the simulation results. We find that OPAL can now handle arbitrary boundary geometries with relative ease. Comparison of simulated injection efficiencies, and beam shape compare well with measured efficiencies and a preliminary measurement of the beam distribution after injection.
Highlights
OPAL [1] is a particle-in-cell (PIC) code developed for the simulation of particle accelerators
We focus on OPAL-CYCL which has been used very successfully to simulate existing high intensity cyclotrons like the PSI Injector II [2], and PSI Ring Cyclotron [2,3] as well as to design new cyclotrons like CYCIAE [4], DAEδALUS [5,6], and IsoDAR [7,8]
One piece has been missing so far: the axial injection using a spiral inflector or an electrostatic mirror. Both are electrostatic devices that bend the beam from the axial direction into the midplane of the cyclotron where it is subsequently accelerated
Summary
OPAL [1] is a particle-in-cell (PIC) code developed for the simulation of particle accelerators. Handling of beam rotations in OPAL-CYCL in order to accommodate the injection off-midplane (BCS) in Vancouver, Canada to test a flat-field ECR ion source, transport through the Low Energy Beam Transport System (LEBT) and injection into a small test cyclotron through a spiral inflector. The results of this campaign are described in much detail in [10] and the most important points will be reiterated in Sec. III, before OPAL simulation results are benchmarked against the experimental results
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