Types Of Ion Species Research Articles

Role of energy loss-range profile of heavy ions in tailoring the optical properties of polycarbonate

Polycarbonate (PC) samples have been implanted with 115 keV N+, Ar+ and Kr+ at fluences ranging from 5x1014 to 1x1016 ions/cm2 to be employed for optical studies. A Decrease in optical energy gap, enhancement in reflectivity and reduction in transmittance, particularly in UV-region, is observed for all implanted samples. The change in optical properties of PC, first, by keeping energy deposited/cm2 constant (i.e. keeping energy*fluence constant) and then by keeping same depth of penetration for different ions have been analysed in detail. The changes are found to be more prominent for N+ compared to Ar+ and Kr+ when the fluence/energy deposited/cm2 by the ions is same. Further, the energy for N+ is reduced to 46 keV, while for Kr+ it is increased to 200 keV to ensure the same penetration depth for N+, Ar+ and Kr+ in PC. Finally, the results are explained on the basis of energy loss-range profiles of these ions in polycarbonate and through Raman spectroscopy. This study convincingly demonstrates that not only the types of ion species, their energies and fluences, but the total energy deposited by ions and their depth of penetration also plays an important role in tailoring the optical properties of polymeric materials.

Etching of latent tracks in amorphous SiO2 and Si3N4: Simulation and experiment

The latent track formation in silicon dioxide (SiO2) and silicon nitride (Si3N4) irradiated with swift heavy ions (SHI) has been studied using computer simulation in the frame of the thermal spike model. We have calculated radii and lifetime of the molten regions, or the regions heated to the melting point, formed in SiO2 and Si3N4 along the ion trajectories for F, S, Cl, Ar, Kr and Xe ions in an energy range of (28–200) MeV. The radius of the molten region was chosen as a criterion for track “etchability” in the case of SiO2. The results of computer simulation have been compared with the experimental results of track etching in 4% aqueous solution of hydrofluoric acid (HF). The validity of the criterion taken for the creation of homogeneous “etchable” ion tracks in SiO2, namely, the formation of a molten region with radius larger than 3.0 nm [1] in the matrix along the ion trajectory, has been confirmed. It has been found that both the etched track depth and diameter increase with the fluence for the same type of ion species. Under our experimental conditions, for the case of Si3N4we failed to etch regular conical channels with uniform size distribution.

Effect of the solenoid in various conditions of the laser ion source at Brookhaven National Laboratory

In the laser ion source (LIS) at the Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), a solenoid is used to guide the laser ablation plasma and modulate the extracted beam current. Many types of ion species are guided. In some cases, the plasma plume is injected into the solenoid away from the solenoidal axis. To investigate the effects of the solenoid on the beam extracted from the plasma that has different properties, the beam current was measured in the setup of the LIS at the BNL. The beam current of Li, Al, Si, Fe, and Au increased when the magnetic field was applied. For most of the species the peak current and the total charge within a single beam pulse increased around 10 times with a magnetic field less than 100 G. In addition, for some species the rate of increase of the peak currents became smaller when the magnetic flux densities were larger than certain values depending on the species. In this case, the current waveforms were distorted. At the same magnetic field value, the field was more effective on lighter species than on heavier ones. When plasma was injected offset from the axis of the solenoid, peak current and total charge became half of those without offset. The experimental data are useful for the operation of the LIS at the BNL.

Multiple solutions of steady-state Poisson–Nernst–Planck equations with steric effects

Experiments measuring currents through single protein channels show unstable currents. Channels switch between ‘open’ or ‘closed’ states in a spontaneous stochastic process called gating. Currents are either (nearly) zero or at a definite level, characteristic of each type of protein, independent of time, once the channel is open. The steady state Poisson–Nernst–Planck equations with steric effects (PNP-steric equations) describe steady current through the open channel quite well, in a wide variety of conditions. Here we study the existence of multiple solutions of steady state PNP-steric equations to see if they themselves, without modification or augmentation, can describe two levels of current. We prove that there are two steady state solutions of PNP-steric equations for (a) three types of ion species (two types of cations and one type of anion) with a positive constant permanent charge, and (b) four types of ion species (two types of cations and their counter-ions) with a constant permanent charge but no sign condition. The excess currents (due to steric effects) associated with these two steady state solutions are derived and expressed as two distinct formulas. Our results indicate that PNP-steric equations may become a useful model to study spontaneous gating of ion channels. Spontaneous gating is thought to involve small structural changes in the channel protein that perhaps produce large changes in the profiles of free energy that determine ion flow. Gating is known to be modulated by external structures. Both can be included in future extensions of our present analysis.

Superconducting Hadron Linacs

This article discusses the main building blocks of a superconducting (SC) linac, the choice of SC resonators, their frequencies, accelerating gradients and apertures, focusing structures, practical aspects of cryomodule design, and concepts to minimize the heat load into the cryogenic system. It starts with an overview of design concepts for all types of hadron linacs differentiated by duty cycle (pulsed or continuous wave) or by the type of ion species (protons, H -, and ions) being accelerated. Design concepts are detailed for SC linacs in application to both light ion (proton, deuteron) and heavy ion linacs. The physics design of SC linacs, including transverse and longitudinal lattice designs, matching between different accelerating–focusing lattices, and transition from NC to SC sections, is detailed. Design of high-intensity SC linacs for light ions, methods for the reduction of beam losses, preventing beam halo formation, and the effect of HOMs and errors on beam quality are discussed. Examples are taken from existing designs of continuous wave (CW) heavy ion linacs and high-intensity pulsed or CW proton linacs. Finally, we review ongoing R&D work toward high-power SC linacs for various applications.

A Review of Update Clinical Results of Carbon Ion Radiotherapy

Among various types of ion species, carbon ions are considered to have the most balanced, optimal properties in terms of possessing physically and biologically effective dose localization in the body. This is due to the fact that when compared with photon beams, carbon ion beams offer improved dose distribution, leading to the concentration of the sufficient dose within a target volume while minimizing the dose in the surrounding normal tissues. In addition, carbon ions, being heavier than protons, provide a higher biological effectiveness, which increases with depth, reaching the maximum at the end of the beam's range. This is practically an ideal property from the standpoint of cancer radiotherapy. Clinical studies have been carried out in the world to confirm the efficacy of carbon ions against a variety of tumors as well as to develop effective techniques for delivering an efficient dose to the tumor. Through clinical experiences of carbon ion radiotherapy at the National Institute of Radiological Sciences and Gesellschaft für Schwerionenforschung, a significant reduction in the overall treatment time with acceptable toxicities has been obtained in almost all types of tumors. This means that carbon ion radiotherapy has meanwhile achieved for itself a solid place in general practice. This review describes clinical results of carbon ion radiotherapy together with physical, biological and technological aspects of carbon ions.

Carbon Ion Radiotherapy: Clinical Experiences at National Institute of Radiological Science (NIRS)

In June 1994, the world's first clinical center offering carbon ion radiotherapy opened at the National Institute of Radiological Science (NIRS), Japan. Among several types of ion species, carbon ions were chosen for cancer therapy because they were judged to have the most optimal properties in terms of superior physical and biological characteristics. As of March 2010, 5,196 patients have been registered for carbon ion radiotherapy. Clinical results have shown that carbon ion radiotherapy has the potential to provide a sufficient radiation dose to the tumor, while having acceptable morbidity in the surrounding normal tissues. Tumors that appear to respond favorably to carbon ions include locally advanced tumors as well as histologically non-squamous cell tumor types such as adenocarcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, malignant melanoma, hepatoma, and bone/soft tissue sarcoma. By taking advantage of the unique properties of carbon ions, treatment with small fractions within a short treatment period has been successfully carried out for a variety of tumors. This means that carbon ion radiotherapy can offer treatment for larger numbers of patients than is possible with other modalities over the same time period.

One-dimensional steady-state Poisson–Nernst–Planck systems for ion channels with multiple ion species

The one-dimensional Poisson–Nernst–Planck (PNP) system is a basic model for ion flow through membrane channels. If the Debye length is much smaller than the characteristic radius of the channel, the PNP system can be treated as a singularly perturbed system. We provide a geometric framework for the study of the steady-state PNP system involving multiple types of ion species with multiple regions of piecewise constant permanent charge. Special structures of this particular problem are revealed, which together with the general framework allows one to reduce the existence and multiplicity of singular orbits to a system of nonlinear algebraic equations. Near each singular orbit, an application of the exchange lemma from the geometric singular perturbation theory gives rise to the existence and (local) uniqueness of a solution of the singular boundary value problem. A new phenomenon on multiplicity and spatial behavior of steady-states involving three or more types of ion species is discovered in an example. (The phenomenon cannot occur when only two types of ion species are involved.)

Clinical Results of Carbon Ion Radiotherapy at NIRS

In 1994 a Phase I/II clinical study on carbon ion radiotherapy was begun at NIRS using HIMAC, which was then the world's only heavy ion accelerator complex dedicated to medical use in a hospital environment. Among several types of ion species, we have chosen carbon ions for cancer therapy because they had the most optimal properties in terms of possessing, both physically and biologically, the most effective dose-localization in the body. The purpose of the clinical study was to investigate the efficacy of carbon ion radiotherapy against a variety of tumors as well as to develop effective techniques for delivering an efficient dose to the tumor. The RBE of carbon ions was estimated to be 2.0 to 3.0 along the SOBP for acute skin reactions. As of August 2006, a total of 2,867 patients had been entered into Phase I/II or Phase II studies and analyzed for toxicity and local tumor response. The results have shown that carbon ion radiotherapy has the potential ability to provide a sufficient dose to the tumor with acceptable morbidity in the surrounding normal tissues. Tumors that appear to respond favorably to carbon ions include locally advanced tumors and those with histologically non-squamous cell type of tumors such as adenocarcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, malignant melanoma, hepatoma, and bone/soft tissue sarcoma. By taking advantage of the biological and physical properties of high-LET radiation, the efficacy of treatment regimens with small fractions in short treatment times has been confirmed for almost all types of tumors in carbon ion radiotherapy.

Removal of Trace Levels of Arsenic and Selenium from Aqueous Solutions by Calcined and Uncalcined Layered Double Hydroxides (LDH)

The adsorption of As and Se from dilute aqueous solutions, representing model power-plant effluent streams, by calcined and uncalcined layered double hydroxide (LDH) adsorbents has been investigated. The results indicate that As(V) has a greater adsorption capacity than Se(IV) for both calcined and uncalcined LDHs. An mth-order kinetic rate equation describes the adsorption kinetics of As and Se on these adsorbents. The adsorption isotherms obey the Freundlich model. The adsorption capacities of As(V) and Se(IV) on the calcined LDH are higher than those on the uncalcined LDH. The starting solution pH does not significantly influence adsorption of As and Se on calcined LDH, as long as it is higher than 4; As and Se adsorption on uncalcined LDH is, however, more sensitive to variations in the initial pH. Studies of the effect of the metal oxidation state on adsorption reveal that As(III) is more difficult to remove than As(V) by both the calcined and uncalcined LDHs. However, the adsorption of Se(IV) and Se(VI) is relatively similar on both calcined and uncalcined LDHs. Competing ions have a greater effect on Se(IV) uptake than on As(V) uptake. Desorption of As(V) and Se(IV) from the LDH depends on the type of ion species and their concentration in the desorbing solutions.

Quantitative determination of kinetic energy releases from metastable decompositions of sputtered organic ions using a time-of-flight mass spectrometer with a single-stage ion mirror

A method has been developed for determining the kinetic energy released when metastable organic ions, produced by particle-induced desorption—ionization, decompose in a time-of-flight mass spectrometer having a single-stage ion mirror. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a fully developed, quantitative procedure for this particular combination of ionization method and mass analysis. In order to obtain the kinetic energy released in a specific metastable decay, the rate constant for the unimolecular reaction has to be estimated, and the widths of the precursor and charged fragment ion peaks have to be measured. The rate constant for a specific decomposition reaction is determined by deflecting all ions away from the optic axis at positions of increasing distance along the flight path through the first field-free region of the spectrometer and by counting the neutral fragments that reach the detector located at the back end of the mirror. The widths of the precursor ion peak and the charged fragment ion peak are measured respectively after both types of ion species have independently followed precisely the same flight path in space and time. With a single-stage mirror, the latter condition is met by reflecting the precursor and fragment ions with mirror potentials that are in proportion to the respective masses of the ions. Theoretical, experimental, and error analyses are described and illustrated with examples.

Ionoluminescence of porous silicon

Ion-beam-induced luminescence of porous Si has been monitored during excitation with 40–250 keV H +, He + and Ar + beams. The spectra exhibit three bands, the positions of which do not depend on the type of ion species or energy. The blue band with a maximum at 2.64 eV is well known in luminescence of irradiated SiO 2. Its identification is based on a characteristic intensity increase with ion dose for different ions. The red band at 1.92 eV is attributed to light emission from small Si crystallites of nanometer sizes, completely covered with SiO 2 layers. The modification of electronic states, likely due to a quantum confinement effect, shifts the Si energy gap towards higher energies. The intensity of the 1.92 eV band decreases with increasing ion dose. This behavior, also observed in luminescence spectra, is associated with the influence of radiation defects.

Negative Ions in Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

Basic characteristics of negative ions observed in ICP-MS have been evaluated and compared with those reported for positive ions. The types of ion species, ion sensitivities, background ions, and ion energies suggest that the negative ions observed in this study do not originate directly from the plasma but rather from electron capture or reaction downstream of the free jet expansion.

Instability of ion–ion hybrid waves in current-carrying collisional plasmas with two ion species

The stability of electrostatic waves propagating at large angles with respect to the background magnetic field is studied in collisional, fully ionized plasmas with two types of ion species and carrying a field-aligned current. By considering plasmas with ma/mb ≪ Nb/Na ≪ mb/ma where m and N denote mass and density respectively and subscripts a and b refer to the two ion species, a complicated dispersion relation is reduced to two simple equations for the determination of the real and imaginary parts of the frequency. It is found that, under appropriate conditions, an instability occurs at frequencies slightly above but very close to the ion–ion hybrid frequency. The growth rate scales directly as the electron–ion collisional frequency.