Charge state breeding experiences and plans at TRIUMF.

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Physics
• Accelerator Science
• Ion Source Technology

Background:

• The Isotope Separation and ACceleration (ISAC) facility at TRIUMF utilizes an electron cyclotron resonance ion source (ECRIS) for radioactive ion charge breeding.
• Stable ion background from the ECRIS can interfere with experiments involving rare isotopes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate methods for reducing stable ion background in ECRIS-based charge breeding.
• To enable physics experiments with accelerated radioactive isotopes.
• To prepare for future isotope production upgrades at TRIUMF.

Main Methods:

• Modified plasma chamber and component materials within the ECRIS.
• Utilized the post-accelerator chain as a mass filter.
• Implemented changes in 2013.

Main Results:

• Significant reduction in stable ion background achieved.
• Successful physics experiments conducted with accelerated radioactive isotopes (Rb, Sr, K, Mg).
• Charge breeding efficiency of several percent attained in most cases.

Conclusions:

• The implemented measures effectively reduced background noise, enabling successful radioactive ion experiments.
• Future upgrades at TRIUMF, including a new electron beam ion source (EBIS), will further enhance capabilities.
• Pulsed beam operation and an ion buncher will be necessary for the new EBIS system.