Off-line ion source terminal for ISAC at TRIUMF.

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Physics
• Accelerator Science
• Atomic Physics

Background:

• The off-line ion source (OLIS) terminal is crucial for providing diverse ion beams to the ISAC facility.
• Existing ion sources met specific needs but required enhancements for broader applicability and automation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the capabilities and performance of the off-line ion source terminal.
• To highlight the versatility and reliability of the integrated ion sources for various experimental demands.

Main Methods:

• Utilizes a microwave cusp ion source, a surface ion source, and a hybrid surface-arc discharge ion source.
• An electrostatic switch allows seamless selection between sources without mechanical intervention.
• Automation for startup and mass selection enhances operational efficiency.

Main Results:

• The microwave ion source has provided singly and doubly charged beams from stable isotopes since 1995, with added capabilities for solid and liquid elements.
• The surface ion source (since 2002) delivers low energy spread beams from alkali and semialkali elements, supporting three temperature regions simultaneously.
• The hybrid source meets specific experimental demands, offering stable beams for extended periods and potential for negative ion beams.
• Over 40 isotopes, including rare ones, have been successfully delivered to experiments.

Conclusions:

• The OLIS terminal demonstrates high versatility and reliability in providing a wide range of ion beams.
• Automated operation and source flexibility significantly enhance its utility for diverse ISAC experiments.
• The terminal has proven effective in delivering numerous isotopes for various research applications.