BETSI, a new test bench for ion sources optimization at CEA SACLAY.

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Physics and Engineering
• Plasma Physics
• Accelerator Science

Background:

• CEA develops electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) ion sources for international projects like IFMIF, IPHI, and Spiral2.
• High-intensity deuteron beams are crucial for neutron production (IFMIF) and radioactive ion beams (Spiral2).
• Optimizing beam quality for radio frequency quadropole (RFQ) accelerators necessitates dedicated test facilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the BETSI ion source test bench designed for optimizing ECR ion sources.
• To detail the test bench's capabilities for ion source development and beam qualification.
• To report on the design and initial performance analysis of the BETSI test bench.

Main Methods:

• The BETSI test bench operates up to 50 kV, utilizing a 2.45 GHz magnetron for continuous wave (cw) or pulsed hydrogen plasma.
• Electrostatic optics in the extraction system are designed to minimize emittance growth.
• Integrated plasma and beam diagnostics, including emittance, current, and species analysis, are employed.

Main Results:

• The test bench facilitates simultaneous analysis of beam quality and plasma parameters.
• Initial extracted beam analysis has been performed.
• The design of the present and upgraded test bench is reported.

Conclusions:

• The BETSI test bench is a critical tool for advancing ECR ion source technology.
• It enables comprehensive characterization of ion beams for accelerator applications.
• Further improvements, including space charge compensation measurements, are planned.