Li+ alumino-silicate ion source development for the neutralized drift compression experiment.

Area of Science:

• Plasma Physics
• Materials Science
• Ion Source Technology

Background:

• Development of ion sources is critical for advanced experiments.
• Lithium alumino-silicate materials offer potential for high-current ion beams.
• Warm dense matter experiments require robust and efficient ion sources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on the development of a lithium alumino-silicate ion source.
• To determine the operational limits of the ion source for future experiments.
• To prepare for warm dense matter heating experiments on Neutralized Drift Compression Experiment II.

Main Methods:

• Utilized small prototype emitters made of lithium alumino-silicate.
• Operated the ion source at a temperature of approximately 1275 °C.
• Measured the space-charge limited Li(+) beam current density and source lifetime.

Main Results:

• Achieved a space-charge limited Li(+) beam current density of approximately 1 mA/cm(2).
• Determined the maximum operating temperature is limited by heat transfer, melting, and emission lifetime.
• Recorded an ion source lifetime of approximately 50 hours under specific pulsing conditions (0.033 Hz, 5-6 μs pulse duration).

Conclusions:

• The developed lithium alumino-silicate ion source shows promise for warm dense matter experiments.
• Operational parameters, including temperature and lifetime, have been characterized.
• Further optimization may be possible to extend performance for demanding applications.