Studies on a Q/A selector for the SECRAL electron cyclotron resonance ion source

Area of Science:

• Atomic and Molecular Physics
• Plasma Physics
• Accelerator Physics

Background:

• Electron cyclotron resonance ion sources are crucial for generating high-current beams of highly charged ions, essential for heavy ion accelerators.
• Designing effective Q/A (charge-to-mass ratio) selector systems presents challenges in maintaining ion resolution and managing beam emittance growth.
• These systems require adaptability for various ion beam species and intensities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present experimental and simulation research on the Q/A selector system at the Superconducting Electron Cyclotron Resonance ion source with Advanced design in Lanzhou (SECRAL) platform.
• To introduce a newly designed Q/A selector system for the SECRAL II facility.
• To detail the features and beam simulations of the new SECRAL II Q/A selector system.

Main Methods:

• Experimental investigation of the existing Q/A selector system on the SECRAL platform.
• Computational simulations to analyze beam dynamics and performance.
• Design and simulation of a novel Q/A selector system for SECRAL II.

Main Results:

• Characterization of the performance limitations of the current Q/A selector system.
• Validation of simulation models for beam transport and selection.
• Demonstration of the design principles for the new SECRAL II Q/A selector system, including predicted performance improvements.

Conclusions:

• The research provides insights into optimizing Q/A selector systems for electron cyclotron resonance ion sources.
• The new design for SECRAL II aims to overcome existing challenges in ion resolution and emittance control.
• Further experimental validation of the SECRAL II system is anticipated to confirm its capabilities.