Surface Ionization Source Research Articles

Off-line ionization tests using the surface and the plasma ion sources of the SPES project

The development of new target ion source systems for the selective production of exotic species (SPES) facility is currently in progress at Legnaro National Laboratories. In this context, the study of ion sources and their performance in terms of ionization efficiency and transversal emittance is a crucial point in order to maximize the available yields, particularly for short-lived isotopes. In this work, preliminary off-line ionization efficiency and emittance measurements for the SPES surface and plasma ion sources are presented. The plasma source emittance measurements are supported by dedicated numerical calculations.

Investigation of ISIS and Brookhaven National Laboratory ion source electrodes after extended operation

Linac4 accelerator of Centre Européen de Recherches Nucléaires is under construction and a RF-driven H(-) ion source is being developed. The beam current requirement for Linac4 is very challenging: 80 mA must be provided. Cesiated plasma discharge ion sources such as Penning or magnetron sources are also potential candidates. Accelerator ion sources must achieve typical reliability figures of 95% and above. Investigating and understanding the underlying mechanisms involved with source failure or ageing is critical when selecting the ion source technology. Plasma discharge driven surface ion sources rely on molybdenum cathodes. Deformation of the cathode surfaces is visible after extended operation periods. A metallurgical investigation of an ISIS ion source is presented. The origin of the deformation is twofold: Molybdenum sputtering by cesium ions digs few tenths of mm cavities while a growth of molybdenum is observed in the immediate vicinity. The molybdenum growth under hydrogen atmosphere is hard and loosely bound to the bulk. It is, therefore, likely to peel off and be transported within the plasma volume. The observation of the cathode, anode, and extraction electrodes of the magnetron source operated at BNL for two years are presented. A beam simulation of H(-), electrons, and Cs(-) ions was performed with the IBSimu code package to qualitatively explain the observations. This paper describes the operation conditions of the ion sources and discusses the metallurgical analysis and beam simulation results.

Modeling of Ionization in a Spherical Surface Ionizer

A Monte Carlo method-based model of a hot cavity surface ion source with a spherically shaped ionizer is presented. A numerical code enables studies of ion source efficiency as a function of an extraction voltage, geometry of the ionizer and its temperature, the size of extraction aperture and many other factors. The calculation results for a variety of mentioned parameters are presented. A novel configuration of surface ion source is proposed and discussed — the efficiency of the source with an almost spherically shaped ionizer could be much higher than that of currently used constructions of ion sources.

Off-line emittance measurements of the SPES ion source at LNL

In the framework of the SPES Radioactive Beam Facility of INFN, a dedicated Ion Source R&D program has recently been started at the Legnaro Laboratory. The main goal is to study and improve its quality. The measurements of transverse phase space distributions of the ions produced in the target complex are of great importance for every ISOL based facility like for example SPES. In particular the phase space distribution becomes essential for the determination of simulation parameters and hence for the mass separation, the injection into traps and breeders, calculation of transport losses, etc. For these reasons a new beam emittance analyzer device, developed at the Legnaro laboratories, has recently been coupled with an off-line target front-end. The experimental measurements on the SPES surface ion source, using three different stable ion beams (Rb, Cs, Al), and their analysis, are presented here.

Paper-Based Microfluidic Surface Acoustic Wave Sample Delivery and Ionization Source for Rapid and Sensitive Ambient Mass Spectrometry

A surface acoustic wave-based sample delivery and ionization method that requires minimal to no sample pretreatment and that can operate under ambient conditions is described. This miniaturized technology enables real-time, rapid, and high-throughput analysis of trace compounds in complex mixtures, especially high ionic strength and viscous samples that can be challenging for conventional ionization techniques such as electrospray ionization. This technique takes advantage of high order surface acoustic wave (SAW) vibrations that both manipulate small volumes of liquid mixtures containing trace analyte compounds and seamlessly transfers analytes from the liquid sample into gas phase ions for mass spectrometry (MS) analysis. Drugs in human whole blood and plasma and heavy metals in tap water have been successfully detected at nanomolar concentrations by coupling a SAW atomization and ionization device with an inexpensive, paper-based sample delivery system and mass spectrometer. The miniaturized SAW ionization unit requires only a modest operating power of 3 to 4 W and, therefore, provides a viable and efficient ionization platform for the real-time analysis of a wide range of compounds.

Thermal–electric numerical simulation of a surface ion source for the production of radioactive ion beams

In a facility for the production of radioactive ion beams (RIBs), the target system and the ion source are the most critical objects. In the context of the Selective Production of Exotic Species (SPES) project, a proton beam directly impinges a Uranium Carbide production target, generating approximately 10 13 fissions per second. The radioactive isotopes produced by the 238U fissions are then directed to the ion source to acquire a charge state. After that, the radioactive ions obtained are transported electrostatically to the subsequent areas of the facility. In this work the surface ion source at present adopted for the SPES project is studied by means of both analytical and numerical thermal–electric models. The theoretical results are compared with temperature and electric potential difference measurements.

Development of a surface ionization source for the SPIRAL 2 project

Development of new radioactive beams, and thus of new target ion sources (TISs) for isotope-separator-on-line production systems are in progress at GANIL for the SPIRAL 2 project. The efficiency and time response measurements of each step in the production process are crucial to predict and maximize the available yields, in particular, for short lived isotopes. This paper presents a method for measuring these quantities that makes use of a stable alkali chopped beam of controlled intensity. This method was applied to surface ionization source test for high efficiency. Results of recent experiments are presented that include ionization efficiency measurements for Cs, Rb, K, Na, and Li with a graphite and rhenium ionizer and dwell time of these alkalis on graphite. The results enabled to design a first surface ionization source prototype which will be installed in the SPIRAL 2 TIS.

A multicharge ion source (Supernanogan) for the OLIS facility at ISAC/TRIUMF

The Off-Line Ion Source (OLIS) [K. Jayamanna, D. Yuan, T. Kuo, M. MacDonald, P. Schmor, and G. Dutto, Rev. Sci. Instrum. 67, 1061 (1996); K. Jayamanna, Rev. Sci. Instrum. 79, 02711 (2008)] facility consists of a high voltage terminal containing a microwave cusp ion source, either a surface ion source or a hybrid surface-arc discharge ion source [K. Jayamanna and C. Vockenhuber, Rev. Sci. Instrum. 79, 02C712 (2008)], and an electrostatic switch that allows the selection of any one of the sources without mechanical intervention. These sources provide a variety of +1 beams up to mass 30 for Isotope Separator and ACcelerator (ISAC) [R. E. Laxdal, Nucl. Instrum. Methods Phys. Res. B 204, 400 (2003)] experiments, commissioning the accelerators, setting up the radioactive experiments, and for tuning the beam lines. The radio frequency quadrupole (RFQ) [M. Marchetto, Z. T. Ang, K. Jayamanna, R. E. Laxdal, A. Mitra, and V. Zvyagintsev, Eur. Phys. J. Spec. Top. 150, 241 (2005)] injector accelerator is a constant velocity machine designed to accept only 2 keV/u and the source extraction energy is limited to 60 kV. Further stripping is then needed downstream of the RFQ to inject the beam into the drift tube linac [M. Marchetto, Z. T. Ang, K. Jayamanna, R. E. Laxdal, A. Mitra, and V. Zvyagintsev, Eur. Phys. J. Spec. Top. 150, 241 (2005)] accelerator that requires A/q up to 6. Base on this constraints a multicharge ion source capable to deliver beams above mass 30 with A/q up to 6 was needed in order to reach full capability of the ISAC facility. A Supernanogan [C. Bieth et al., Nucleonika 48, S93 (2003)] multicharge ion source was then purchased from Pantechnik and was installed in the OLIS terminal. Commissioning and performance of the Supernanogan with some results such as emittance dependence of the charge states as well as charge state efficiencies are presented.

High-intensity ion sources for accelerators with emphasis on H− beam formation and transport (invited)

This paper lays out the fundamental working principles of a variety of high-current ion sources for accelerators in a tutorial manner, and gives examples of specific source types such as dc discharge-driven and rf-driven multicusp sources, Penning-type, and electron cyclotron resonance-based sources while discussing those principles, pointing out general performance limits as well as the performance parameters of specific sources. Laser-based, two-chamber, and surface-ionization sources are briefly mentioned. Main aspects of this review are particle feed, ionization mechanism, beam formation, and beam transport. Issues seen with beam formation and low-energy transport of negative hydrogen-ion beams are treated in detail.

Ultracompact/ultralow power electron cyclotron resonance ion source for multipurpose applications

In order to drastically reduce the power consumption of a microwave ion source, we have studied some specific discharge cavity geometries in order to reduce the operating point below 1 W of microwave power (at 2.45 GHz). We show that it is possible to drive an electron cyclotron resonance ion source with a transmitter technology similar to those used for cellular phones. By the reduction in the size and of the required microwave power, we have developed a new type of ultralow cost ion sources. This microwave discharge system (called COMIC, for COmpact MIcrowave and Coaxial) can be used as a source of light, plasma or ions. We will show geometries of conductive cavities where it is possible, in a 20 mm diameter chamber, to reduce the ignition of the plasma below 100 mW and define typical operating points around 5 W. Inside a simple vacuum chamber it is easy to place the source and its extraction system anywhere and fully under vacuum. In that case, current densities from 0.1 to 10 mA/cm(2) (Ar, extraction 4 mm, 1 mAe, 20 kV) have been observed. Preliminary measurements and calculations show the possibility, with a two electrodes system, to extract beams within a low emittance. The first application for these ion sources is the ion injection for charge breeding, surface analyzing system and surface treatment. For this purpose, a very small extraction hole is used (typically 3/10 mm for a 3 microA extracted current with 2 W of HF power). Mass spectrum and emittance measurements will be presented. In these conditions, values down to 1 pi mm mrad at 15 kV (1sigma) are observed, thus very close to the ones currently observed for a surface ionization source. A major interest of this approach is the possibility to connect together several COMIC devices. We will introduce some new on-going developments such as sources for high voltage implantation platforms, fully quartz radioactive ion source at ISOLDE or large plasma generators for plasma immersion, broad or ribbon beams generation.

MISTIC: Radiation hard ECRIS

The ISAC RIB facility at TRIUMF utilizes up to 100μA from the 500MeV H− cyclotron to produce RIB using the isotopic separation on line (ISOL) method. In the moment, we are mainly using a hot surface ion source and a laser ion source to produce our RIB. A FEBIAD ion source has been recently tested at ISAC, but these ion sources are not suitable for gaseous elements like N, O, F, Ne,…,A new type of ion source is then necessary.By combining a high frequency electromagnetic wave and a magnetic confinement, the ECRIS [R. Geller, Electron Cyclotron Resonance Ion Source and ECR Plasmas, Institute of Physics Publishing, Bristol, 1996], [1] (electron cyclotron resonance ion source) can produce high energy electrons essential for efficient ionization of those elements. To this end, a prototype ECRIS called MISTIC (monocharged ion source for TRIUMF and ISAC complex) has been built at TRIUMF using a design similar to the one developed at GANIL [GANIL (Grand Accélérateur National d’Ions Lourds), www.ganil.fr], [2] The high level radiation caused by the proximity to the target prevented us to use a conventional ECRIS. To achieve a radiation hard ion source, we used coils instead of permanent magnets to produce the magnetic confinement. Each coil is supplied by 1000A–15V power supply. The RF generator cover a frequency range from 2 to 8GHz giving us all the versatility we need to characterize the ionization of the following elements: He, Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe, C, O, N, F. Isotopes of these elements are involved in star thermonuclear cycles and, consequently, very important for researches in nuclear astrophysics. Measures of efficiency, emittance and ionization time will be performed for each of those elements. Preliminary tests show that MISTIC is very stable over a large range of frequency, magnetic field and pressure.

Development of a surface ionization source for the production of radioactive alkali ion beams in SPIRAL

In the framework of the production of radioactive alkali ion beams by the isotope separation on-line (ISOL) method in SPIRAL I, a surface ionization source has been developed at GANIL to produce singly-charged ions of Li, Na and K. This new source has been designed to work in the hostile environment whilst having a long lifetime. This new system of production has two ohmic heating components: the first for the target oven and the second for the ionizer. The latter, being in carbon, offers high reliability and competitive ionization efficiency. This surface ionization source has been tested on-line using a 48Ca primary beam at 60.3A MeV with an intensity of 0.14pA. The ionization efficiencies obtained for Li, Na and K are significantly better than the theoretical values of the ionization probability per contact. The enhanced efficiency, due to the polarization of the ionizer, is shown to be very important also for short-lived isotopes. In the future, this source will be associated with the multicharged electron–cyclotron-resonance (ECR) ion source NANOGAN III for production of multicharged alkali ions in SPIRAL. The preliminary tests of the set up are also presented in this contribution.

R&D for the development of negative ion beams of halogens

Ion beams of halogens can be produced either positively or negatively charged, depending on the employed ion source. At CERN-ISOLDE, although positively charged fluorine and astatine can be obtained from a hot plasma ion source, they are often contaminated by isobars and molecular sidebands. This has generated a request from the scientific community for fluorine and astatine negative ion beams free of contaminants. The high selectivity ensured by the surface ionisation process also makes negative beams of chlorine, bromine and iodine highly attractive. However, the efficiency figures for negative surface ionisation of fluorine and astatine were lower than the ones from the hot plasma. Here we report our R&D on new surface ion sources suitable for the production of negative halogen beams.

Off-line ion source terminal for ISAC at TRIUMF

The off-line ion source (OLIS) terminal consists of a microwave cusp ion source, either a surface ion source or a hybrid surface-arc discharge ion source and an electrostatic switch that allows selecting any one of the sources without mechanical intervention. These sources provide variety of beams to ISAC experiments, for commissioning the accelerators, for setting up the radioactive experiments, and for tuning the beam lines. The microwave ion source has been operational since 1995 and provides singly and doubly charged beams from various stable isotopes for many ISAC experiments at high and low energy areas. Originally its prime goal was to provide beams from gaseous elements, but later two ovens and a sputtering system were added in order to provide beams from liquids and from solids. The surface ion source installed in 2002 can provide low energy spread beams from alkali and semialkali elements. It also has three separate ovens and an ionizer. Therefore, it can provide three different temperature regions simultaneously to provide different beams to ISAC. It is mainly used for laser spectroscopy experiments and other experiments, which require a finite beam quality. A hybrid surface-arc discharge ion source was also developed and installed in order to meet specific demands from experiments. This source terminal is now automated for start up and for mass selection. It is capable of providing stable beams for months without maintenance and it is also capable of providing negative ion beams if required. To date, over 40 different isotopes including many rear isotopes were delivered to various experiments from the OLIS source terminal. Performances of the ion sources and some of the results are discussed.

Development of a 1+∕N+ setup for the production of multicharged radioactive alkali ions in SPIRAL

In the framework of the production of radioactive ion beams by the isotope separator online method, a new system has been developed at GANIL/SPIRAL I to produce multicharged alkali ions. The principle, referred to as the "direct 1+/N+ method," consists of a surface ionization source associated with a multicharged electron-cyclotron-resonance ion source without an intermediate mass separator. This new system has been tested online using a (48)Ca primary beam at 60.3 A MeV. The experimental evidence of the direct 1+/N+ process has been obtained for a potential difference between the two sources of 11 V and with a 1+/N+ charge breeding efficiency of 0.04% for (47)K(5+). This value is significantly lower than the value of 6% obtained for stable K ions with the standard 1+/N+ method. A possible explanation is given in the text.

A hybrid surface arc discharge ion source to produce ultra pure Ca+2 beams for Ca40(α,γ)Ti44 reaction studies at ISAC/TRIUMF

ISAC is an accelerator facility primarily dedicated to astrophysical studies. Off-line and online ion sources provide up to 65 keV of stable and radioactive beams to the ISAC accelerators. Initial acceleration is done via a constant velocity radio frequency quadrupole that requires 2 keV/u. Then the beam is further accelerated to 1.5 MeVu at ISAC-I and 6.5 MeV/u at ISAC-II. To study radiative capture reactions relevant for astrophysics, the recoil mass spectrometer DRAGON was built in the experimental area. (40)Ca(alpha,gamma)(44)Ti is identified as one of the key reactions in supernovae to produce (44)Ti and is given highest priority. For this experiment, an ultrapure Ca(+2) beam was requested from the off-line ion source. Initial tests showed that, when using conventional ion sources, (40)Ar and (40)K are the impurities that are most difficult to eliminate. In order to overcome this problem, a new concept was needed and the hybrid surface arc discharge ion source was born. The hybrid surface ion source consists of a small surface ionizer and an arc discharge placed in a solenoid field. A very low ratio of (40)Ar/(40)Ca=8 x 10(-5) was achieved with this new source and the experiment was completed successfully. The source is described in detail and its performance is discussed in this article.

An overview on TRIUMF’s developments on ion source for radioactive beams (invited)

The ISAC facility at TRIUMF utilizes up to 100 microA from the 500 MeV H(-) cyclotron to produce the radioactive ion beam (RIB) using the isotopic separation on line method. The ISAC-I facility comprised the RIB production target stations, the mass separator, and the beam delivery to low energy area and to a room temperature linear accelerator composed of a four-rod radio frequency quadrupole and an interdigital H-type structure drift tube LINAC. ISAC-I linear accelerator can provide beam from A=3 to 30 amu with an energy range from 0.15 to 1.5 A MeV. Since the beginning of operations target development program has been to increase proton beam currents on targets. Now we routinely operate our target at 50-85 microA and recently we have operated our target at 100 microA. Other developments are in place to add other ion sources, laser, force electron beam induced are discharge and electron cyclotron resonance ion source to the actual surface ion source. The last two five year plans were mainly devoted to the construction of a heavy ion superconducting LINAC (ISAC-II) that will upgrade the mass and the energy range from 30 to 150 and from 1.5 to 6.5 A MeV, respectively. The intermediate stage E< or =4.2 A MeV is already completed and commissioned; three experiments using (11)Li, (9)Li, and (29)Na have been completed this summer.

ISAC-I and ISAC-II: Present status and future perspectives

The ISAC facility at TRIUMF utilizes up to 100 μA from the 500 MeV H- cyclotron to produce the RIB using the Isotopic Separation On Line (ISOL) method. The ISAC-I facility comprised the RNB production target stations, the mass separator and the beam delivery to low energy area and to a room temperature linear accelerator composed of a 4-rod RFQ and an inter-digital H type structure Drift Tube LINAC. ISAC-I linear accelerator can provide beam from A = 3 to 30 amu with an energy range from 0.15 to 1.5 A MeV. Since the beginning of operations target development program has been to increase proton beam currents on targets. Now we routinely operate our target at 50 to 85 μA and recently we have operated our target at 100 μA. Other developments are in place to add other ion sources, laser, FEBIAD and ECRIS to the actual surface ion source. The last two five year plans were mainly devoted to the construction of a heavy ion superconducting LINAC (ISAC-II), that will upgrade the mass and the energy range from 30 to 150 and 1.5 to 6.5 A MeV, respectively. We are now commissioning the medium β section and first experiment is scheduled for the fall 2006.

A novel surface ionization source for ion mobility spectrometer

A surface ionization (SI) source is designed and prepared for ion mobility spectrometer (IMS). The source acts not only as an emitter but also an ion injector which can inject ions periodically into the drift region of drift tube. Using the dual-role source, the dimension of the drift tube can be decreased and the circuit for high voltage can be simplified efficiently. The IMS with the SI source has a response range of ∼4 orders of magnitude and a good reproducibility to tri-ethylamine. Compared with radioactive ionization (RI), the ultra-short time for ion injection and the zero level base line of ion mobility spectrum are characteristics of the surface ionization.

Sputtering source of cluster ions and surface-ionization source of polyatomic ions of organic compounds

Development and characterization of sputtering sources of negative cluster and molecular ions of Aum- (m=1–9), Sim- (m=1–6), SimOn- (m=1–5, n=1–11), Cm- (m=1–12), NimCln- (m=1–2, n=0–3) and surface-ionization (SI) sources of polyatomic positively charged ions of organic compounds are described. The currents of the molecular and cluster ions obtained after separation were very stable and reach several nA for the sputtering source and from 10−10 up to10−7A/sm2 for the SI source. A possibility of using the high selectivity of SI and the high efficiency of SI of nitrogen-containing organic bases to produce practically composition-homogeneous effective beams of polyatomic positively charged ions is demonstrated in this work.