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Updated: Jun 15, 2026
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Preparing an Isotopically Pure 229Th Ion Beam for Studies of 229mTh
Published on: May 3, 2019
Development of high efficiency Versatile Arc Discharge Ion Source at CERN ISOLDE.
L Penescu1, R Catherall, J Lettry
1CERN, CH-1211, Geneva 23, Switzerland. liviu.penescu@cern.ch
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|March 3, 2010
Summary
New ion sources at CERN
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Physics
- Atomic and Molecular Physics
- Accelerator Physics
Background:
- The ISOLDE facility at CERN utilizes Forced Electron Beam Induced Arc Discharge (FEBIAD) ion sources for radioactive ion beam production.
- Improving ionization efficiency is crucial for enhancing the capabilities of radioactive ion beam facilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report developments in FEBIAD ion sources aimed at increasing ionization efficiency.
- To introduce new FEBIAD prototypes and the Versatile Arc Discharge Ion Source (VADIS) concept.
Main Methods:
- Development and testing of two new FEBIAD prototypes.
- Off-line studies to measure ionization efficiencies for noble gases.
- Application of a theoretical model to understand ionization processes and design optimal sources.
Main Results:
- Ionization efficiencies for noble gases increased 5-20 times compared to standard ISOLDE FEBIAD sources.
- Achieved 60% ionization efficiency for radon, enabling the identification of the previously unobserved isotope (229)Rn.
- A threefold increase in ionization efficiency is anticipated for other elements.
Conclusions:
- The developed FEBIAD prototypes and VADIS concept significantly enhance ionization efficiency at ISOLDE.
- These advancements facilitate the discovery of new isotopes and improve the study of rare isotopes.
- The theoretical model provides valuable insights for designing next-generation ion sources for various chemical elements.
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