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Simultaneous acceleration of multiply charged ions through a superconducting linac
P N Ostroumov1, R C Pardo, G P Zinkann
1Physics Division, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 S. Cass Avenue, Argonne, IL 60439, USA.
Physical Review Letters
|April 6, 2001
Summary
This study demonstrates simultaneous acceleration of particles with varying charge-to-mass ratios in a superconducting linac. This method enhances heavy ion acceleration, crucial for facilities like the Rare Isotope Accelerator Facility.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Physics
- Particle Accelerators
- Accelerator Technology
Background:
- Heavy ion acceleration is critical for nuclear physics research.
- Current limitations in ion-source intensities hinder high-intensity heavy ion beams.
- Simultaneous acceleration of ions with diverse charge states presents a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the feasibility of simultaneously accelerating particles with a range of charge-to-mass ratios to the same energy.
- To evaluate the performance of a superconducting linac for this novel acceleration technique.
- To assess the applicability of this method for future heavy ion accelerator facilities.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a superconducting linac, specifically a portion of the ATLAS linac.
- Accelerated uranium ions stripped to eight different charge states.
- Measured beam emittance and energy spread post-acceleration.
Main Results:
- Successfully accelerated uranium ions from 286 to 690 MeV.
- Achieved 94% transmission efficiency for the injected uranium beam.
- Observed an energy spread of 1.3% for the mixed charge states, compared to 0.4% for a single charge state.
Conclusions:
- Simultaneous acceleration of ions with approximately 20% variation in charge-to-mass ratios to the same energy is feasible in a superconducting linac.
- This technique offers a viable solution for high-intensity heavy ion acceleration, overcoming ion-source limitations.
- The findings have direct implications for the design and operation of next-generation rare isotope accelerator facilities.