Simulation-based optimization for the TRIUMF FEBIAD ion source

Abstract

The TRIUMF-FEBIAD ion source is typically used to generate radioactive ion beams of molecules, halogens, and noble gases. The experimental campaign undertaken in the past couple of years has shown room for operational improvement, for example, by increasing the thermionic emission from the hot cathode. However, this work has also identify reliability issues in the thermo-mechanical aspect of the source. To mitigate failures observed due to unwanted excessive heating, a simulation campaign has been performed to increase the reliability and performance of the FEBIAD ion source. This paper presents the results derived from a simulation-based optimization campaign that can increase the overall ionization efficiency and robustness of the TRIUMF-FEBIAD ion source.