The superconducting electron cyclotron resonance 6.4 GHz high-B mode and frequency scaling in electron cyclotron resonance ion sourcesa)

Abstract

We would like to present the initial results and description of the superconducting electron cyclotron resonance ion source (SCECR) operating in the high-B mode—a new high magnetic field, low-frequency mode of operation. First, we describe the operating characteristics of this mode, which include very high mirror confinement in all directions, yet having a minimum field low enough for electron cyclotron resonance heating of 6.4 GHz. The source performance for oxygen, neon, argon, krypton, and xenon is presented and comparisons are made with several existing high-performance ECR sources. In this high-B mode the SCECR matches or exceeds the performance of all existing ECR sources. These results perhaps invalidate the classical frequency squared source performance scaling law, and suggest the new possibility of high-performance, low-frequency (and hence low cost) sources as will be discussed.