Transport Of Intense Ion Beams Research Articles

Hollow structure formation of intense ion beams with sharp edge in background plasmas

The transport of intense ion beams with sharp radial beam edge in plasmas has been studied with two-dimensional electromagnetic particle simulations. The initial solid beam evolves into a hollow beam due to the nonlinear sharp transverse force peak in the regions of beam edge. The magnitude and nonlinearity of this peak are enhanced as the ion beam travels further into the plasma, due to the self-consistent interactions between the beam ions and the plasma electrons. This structure formation is shown to be independent on the beam radius.

Beam transport and space charge compensation strategies (invited).

The transport of intense ion beams is affected by the collective behavior of this kind of multi-particle and multi-species system. The space charge expressed by the generalized perveance dominates the dynamical process of thermalisation, which leads to emittance growth. To prevent changes of intrinsic beam properties and to reduce the intensity dependent focusing forces, space charge compensation seems to be an adequate solution. In the case of positively charged ion beams, electrons produced by residual gas ionization and secondary electrons provide the space charge compensation. The influence of the compensation particles on the beam transport and the local degree of space charge compensation is given by different beam properties as well as the ion beam optics. Especially for highly charged ion beams, space charge compensation in combination with poor vacuum conditions leads to recombination processes and therefore increased beam losses. Strategies for providing a compensation-electron reservoir at very low residual gas pressures will be discussed.

High magnetic pulse by solenoids for intense ion beam transport

A high voltage pulser up to 50 kV, with a main pulse of 2 μs time duration, was realized using a fast high voltage capacitor of 150 nF (50 kV) connected to the ground by a homemade spark-gap. The circuit, contained in a metallic box to avoid irradiation, had short electric connections in order to reduce the inductances. The diagnostic was performed by two systems: a self-integrating Rogowski coil and an integrator connected to a current transformer, both suitable for pulses longer than 1 μs. To focus ion beams with energy reaching 40 keV, we made two solenoids having an inductance of 3.6 and 16 μH which were fed by the current generated by the pulser up to 12 kA, 1 μs at 50 kV of charging voltage of capacitor. The measurements determined a magnetic field at the solenoid center of 0.61 T for the more inductive solenoid and 1.14 T for the other one.

Transport of intense ion beams and space charge compensation issues in low energy beam lines (invited)

Over the last few years, the interest of the international scientific community for high power accelerators in the megawatt range has been increasing. For such machines, the ion source has to deliver a beam intensity that ranges from several tens up to a hundred of mA. One of the major challenges is to extract and transport the beam while minimizing the emittance growth and optimizing its injection into the radio frequency quadrupole. Consequently, it is crucial to perform precise simulations and cautious design of the low energy beam transport (LEBT) line. In particular, the beam dynamics calculations have to take into account not only the space charge effects but also the space charge compensation of the beam induced by ionization of the residual gas. The physical phenomena occurring in a high intensity LEBT and their possible effects on the beam are presented, with a particular emphasis on space charge compensation. Then, beam transport issues in different kind of LEBTs are briefly reviewed. The SOLMAXP particle-in-cell code dedicated to the modeling of the transport of charge particles under a space charge compensation regime is described. Finally, beam dynamics simulations results obtained with SOLMAXP are presented in the case of international fusion materials irradiation facility injector.

Influence of conducting plate boundary conditions on the transverse envelope equations describing intense ion beam transport

In typical diagnostic applications, intense ion beams are intercepted by a conducting plate associated with devices used to measure beam phase-space projections. This results in the transverse space-charge field near the plate being shorted out, rendering simple envelope models with constant space-charge strength inaccurate. Here we develop corrected envelope models based on analytical calculations to account for this effect on the space-charge term of the envelope equations, thereby removing a systematic source of error in the equations and enabling more accurate comparisons with experiment. For common intense beam parameters, we find that the envelope correction occurs primarily in the envelope angles near the plate and that the effect can be large enough to degrade precision beam matching in periodic transport lattices. Results are verified with 3D self-consistent particle-in-cell simulations based on intense beam experiments associated with driver development for heavy-ion fusion.

Stability properties of the transverse envelope equations describing intense ion beam transport

The transverse evolution of the envelope of an intense, unbunched ion beam in a linear transport channel can be modeled for the approximation of linear self-fields by the Kapchinskij-Vladimirskij (KV) envelope equations. Here we employ the KV envelope equations to analyze the linear stability properties of so-called mismatch perturbations about the matched (i.e., periodic) beam envelope in continuous focusing, periodic solenoidal, and periodic quadrupole transport lattices for a coasting beam. The formulation is analyzed and explicit self-consistent KV distributions are derived for an elliptical beam envelope in a periodic solenoidal transport channel. This derivation extends previous work to identify emittance measures and Larmor-frame transformations to allow application of standard form envelope equations to solenoidal focusing channels. Perturbed envelope equations are derived that include driving sources of mismatch excitation resulting from focusing errors, particle loss, and beam emittance growth. These equations are solved analytically for continuous focusing and demonstrate a factor of 2 increase in maximum mismatch excursions resulting from sudden driving perturbations relative to adiabatic driving perturbations. Numerical and analytical studies are carried out to explore properties of normal mode envelope oscillations without driving excitations in periodic solenoidal and quadrupole focusing lattices. Previous work on this topic by Struckmeier and Reiser [Part. Accel. 14, 227 (1984)] is extended and clarified. Regions of parametric instability are mapped, new classes of envelope instabilities are found, parametric sensitivities are explored, general limits and mode invariants are derived, and analytically accessible limits are checked. Important, and previously unexplored, launching conditions are described for pure envelope modes in periodic quadrupole focusing channels.

Diagnostics of discharge channels for neutralized chamber transport in heavy ion fusion

The final beam transport in the reactor chamber for heavy ion fusion in preformed plasma channels offers many attractive advantages compared to other transport modes. In the past few years, experiments at the Gesellschaft für Schwerionenforschung (GSI) accelerator facility have addressed the creation and investigation of discharge plasmas, designed for the transport of intense ion beams. Stable, self-standing channels of 50 cm length with currents up to 55 kA were initiated in low-pressure ammonia gas by a CO2-laser pulse along the channel axis before the discharge is triggered. The channels were characterized by several plasma diagnostics including interferometry and spectroscopy. We also present first experiments on laser-guided intersecting discharges.

Intense ion beam propagation in a reactor sized chamber

We consider the physics of the ballistic transport of intense ion beams in a heavy ion fusion reactor chamber filled with low pressure Flibe gas. We consider first a single beam envelope model and show via a simple case that emittance growth is an issue in the chamber as well as in the accelerator. We develop a model for the neutralization of beam space-charge by the electrons produced by gas ionization by the beam and derive an expression for the evolution of the neutralization factor as the beam propagates into the chamber. We then extend the envelope model from a one species beam to a beam of ions of several charge states by considering the entire beam as a set of subbeams (one for each charge state) each described with coupled envelope equation. The fully electromagnetic PIC code BPIC was used to investigate the behavior in greater detail. A parametric study of the sensitivity of the final spot radius at the target versus the ion beam stripping and gas ionization cross-sections (which are characterized by large uncertainties) shows that, in the studied regime (Hylife-II parameters), the accessible window of cross-sections for ballistic transport in the chamber through neutral Flibe gas is eventually small. The temperature evolution for each species and the emittance growth for the entire ion beam was studied for a typical scenario and indicates that a fair amount of the initial electric potential energy carried by the beam as it enters the chamber is converted into temperature and transverse emittance. The high temperature of the ionization-produced electrons prevents a full charge neutralization of the ion beam as it approaches the target. It is shown that focusing a beam array or pre-ionizing a fraction of the background gas may help in reducing the focal spot.

Numerical simulations of self-pinched transport of intense ion beams in low-pressure gases

The self-pinched transport of intense ion beams in low-pressure background gases is studied using numerical simulations and theoretical analysis. The simulations are carried out in a parameter regime that is similar to proton beam experiments being fielded on the Gamble II pulsed power generator [J. D. Shipman, Jr., IEEE Trans. Nucl. Sci. NS-18, 243 (1971)] at the Naval Research Laboratory. Simulation parameter variations provide information on scaling with background gas species, gas pressure, beam current, beam energy, injection angles, and boundaries. The simulation results compare well with simple analytic scaling arguments for the gas pressure at which the effective net current should peak and with estimates for the required confinement current. The analysis indicates that the self-pinched transport of intense proton beams produced on Gamble II (1.5 MeV, 100 kA, 3 cm radius) is expected to occur at gas pressures between 30 and 80 mTorr of He or between 3 and 10 mTorr of Ar. The significance of these results to ion-driven inertial confinement fusion is discussed.

Equilibria for intense ion beam transport in low-pressure gas or vacuum

Two fluid equilibrium solutions for intense ion beam transport in low-pressure gas or vacuum are derived. The equilibria that are most relevant to beam transport have neutralizing electrons drifting in the same direction as the beam. These solutions require a small net positive charge within the beam channel to support an equilibrium radial electric field to allow the electrons to E×B drift axially. At the extremes of the domain of allowable solutions this electric field approaches zero and complete charge neutrality is achieved. In this case, two solutions are obtained. The first describes ballistic beam transport with complete neutralization of the beam current by the electrons, and the second describes pinched beam transport with no neutralizing electron current. Equilibria between these two extremes exhibit both a small net positive charge within the beam channel and partial current neutralization.

Charge compensated ion beam propagation in a reactor sized chamber

Final ion propagation in the space charge compensated scheme (ITEP) is contrasted to Hylife II scenario. A fully electromagnetic particle in cell–Monte Carlo code (PIC–MCC) is considered for the ballistic transport of intense ion beams in a reaction chamber field with Flibe gas surrounding a pellet with a thermonuclear fuel in it. For the latter, we identify a partial beam neutralization only through electron background. The former displays an acceptable focusing on the pellet. The background electron temperature has a significant influence on beam minimum radius. Transverse emittance is given specific attention.

Charge compensated ion beam propagation in a reactor sized chamber

A fully electromagnetic particle in cell-Monte Carlo (PIC-MCC) code is considered for the ballistic transport of intense ion beams in a reaction chamber field with Flibe gas surrounding a pellet with a thermonuclear fuel in it. A specific emphasis is given to a self-consistent treatment of beam boundary conditions. Spurious electromagnetic waves are evacuated out of the grid, and a modified Maxwell system corrects for Gauss theorem error. A dynamical grid with self-adaptating field follows beam convergence. Final ion propagation in the Hylife II [R. Moir, Fusion Technol. 29, 306 (1991)] scheme and also in the space charge compensated one is investigated at length. For the first, a partial beam neutralization is identified only through electron background. The second displays an acceptable focalization at pellet, the background electron temperature has a significant influence on beam minimum radius. Transverse emittance is given specific attention.

Production and control of high current ion beams in plasma-optical systems

A brief review of investigations carried out in the Institute of Physics is presented along with an analysis of processes determining production of ions as well as formation and transport of intense ion beams in plasma-optical systems. All these systems have a common mechanism of space charge equipotentialization. When a noncompensated beam’s self-potential exceeds significantly an external potential, a charge compensation is mainly provided by secondary electron emission. Two systems are considered, a magnetically isolated diode gap (MDG) operating in the plasma-optical regime, and a high-current electrostatic plasma lens. It is demonstrated that a MDG can be used for production of hydrogen ions with unique parameters (current 6 A, density of current 6 A/cm2, energy up to 20 keV, pulse duration up to 100 μs). An effective method of intense ion beam low pressure transport is proposed.

Self-pinched transport for ion-driven inertial confinement fusion

Efficient transport of intense ion beams is necessary for ion-driven inertial confinement fusion (ICF). The self-pinched transport scheme involves the focusing of an ion beam to a radius of about 1 cm or less. At this radius, using the beam's self-magnetic field for confinement, the ion beam propagates through the reactor chamber to an ICF target. A promising regime for self-pinched transport involves the injection of a high current beam into an initally neutral gas at about 200 mTorr less. A simple equilibrium theory of a beam with a temporally pinching radial envelope predicts that large confining magnetic fields are possible with net currents of more than 50% of the beam current. The magnitude of these fields is strongly dependent on the rate of ionization of the given ion species. We have simulated ion-beam propagation, using the hybrid code IPROP, which self-consistently calculates the gas breakdown and electromagnetic fields. In agreement with the theory, a propagation window of 20–200 mTorr of argon is calculated for a 50 kA, 5 MeV proton beam similar to the parameters of the SABRE accelerator at Sandia National Laboratories. We present simulations of the focusing and propagation of the SABRE beam, with the purpose of designing a self-pinch experiment.

Physics of gas breakdown for ion beam transport in gas

Detailed analysis, experiments, and computer simulations are producing a new understanding of gas breakdown during intense ion beam transport in neutral gas. Charge neutralization of beam micro clumps is shown to limit the net clump potentials to a non-zero value {phi}{sub min}, which can lead to divergence growth and axial energy spreading. At pressures {approx_gt} 1 Torr, plasma shielding should substantially reduce this effect. Current neutralization has been studied in experiments on the GAMBLE II accelerator. The importance of fast electrons (knockons and runaways) has been established in IPROP simulations, which are in agreement with the experiments. For light ion fusion parameters with pressures {approx_gt} 1 Torr, very small net current fractions ({much_lt} 1%) appear feasible, permitting ballistic transport in gas. Self-pinched transport requires higher net current fractions ({ge} 2%) and preliminary IPROP code results indicate that this appears achievable for small-radius intense beams in lower pressure gases ({approx_lt}Torr). Several self-pinched transport concepts look promising. The importance of these results for both light ion fusion and heavy ion fusion is discussed.

Wire-guided transport of intense ion beams

Light ion inertial confinement fusion requires beam transport over distances of a few meters for isolation of the diode hardware from the target explosion and for power compression by time-of-flight bunching. This paper evaluates a wire-guided transport system that uses the azimuthal magnetic field, produced by a current driven through a thin wire, to radially confine the ion beam. Ion orbits are studied to determine the injection efficiency (i.e., the fraction of the beam which is transported) under various conditions. Some ions hit the wire because of too small angular momentum at injection; others hit the wire or are lost to large radius during transport because of chaotic orbit behavior induced by a small number of return-current wires close to the beam envelope. For a multimodular scheme (10–30 beams), individual transport system are packed around the target at some standoff distance. The fraction of the beam which is lost in this field-free standoff region is also evaluated under various conditions. The standoff efficiency is then combined with the injection efficiency to give the dependence of the total transport efficiency, ηt, on diode, focusing, transport, and standoff parameters. It is found that ηt can be as large as about 60% for parameter values which appear to be achievable.

Multiframe ion pinhole camera for intense ion beam transport and focusing experiments

We have developed a new ion pinhole camera to obtain energy density profiles of a focused multiterawatt ion beam as a function of ion energy. Beam ions that are elastically scattered from a thin gold foil are imaged through six baffled pinholes onto six separate areas of a sheet of CR-39 nuclear track detector. Each of the areas is covered by an aluminum range filter and records an image with a different lower bound on the ion energy. Subtracting images with adjacent cutoff energies results in images with upper and lower bounds on the ion energy. Ion images are read from the CR-39 with VERA, a fully automatic, image-processor-based nuclear track counting system. Images of the Particle Beam Fusion Accelerator-II (PBFA-II) proton beam have been obtained and show that the beam has been focused to achieve a horizontal FWHM of 5.7 mm and has delivered 9 kJ/cm2 to a target.

Transport of intense ion beams

The maximum transportable current for an ion beam is determined by considerations of focal strength, space charge equilibrium and stability, structural practicality, and emittance. These factors are described within the context of a heavy ion driver for inertial confinement fusion. Recent supporting results from particle-in-cell simulations and transport experiments will be described.

Studies of Heavy Ion Beam Transport in a Magnetic Quadrupole Channel

In connection with the West German Heavy Ion Fusion Program the first stage (six periods) of a magnetic quadrupole channel (FODO type) to study the transport of intense ion beams was built at GSI. Different ion beams can be used and the variation of the brightness of these beams (hence of the tune depression σ/σ <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">o</sub> ) is sufficiently large that regions of theoretically predicted instabilities can be covered. The initial studies are being carried out with a high-brightness beam of 190 keV Ar+ ions and currents of a few mA. Since the pulse length is > 0.5 ms and the pressure is between 10 <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">-6</sup> and 10 <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">-7</sup> torr partial space charge neutralization occurs. Clearing electrodes can be used to remove the electrons from the beam. Results of theoretical studies, measurements of charge neutralization effects and first results of transport experiments will be reported.

Generation of strong time compressed light ion beams

Positive light ions (He4) are extracted from a pulsed plasma source and accelerated in two states, first at constant potential and subsequently by a time varying voltage which is programmed to generate a time compressed beam bunch, downstream at a defined distance form the accelerator. Time compression of a 1-μs extracted beam pulse into an 8-ns bunched pulse at a distance of 66 cm from the source has been achieved. The technique provides useful applications for concentrated energy deposition on targets and is part of a proposed Light Ion Fusion Experiment (LIFE) accelerator system where 20:1 axial pulse compression would be programmed to occur during the ballistically focused and neutralized transport of intense ion beams.