ABSTRACT
Double frequency heating (DFH) is a tool to improve the output of highly charged ions particularly from modern electron cyclotron resonance ion source installations with very high RF-frequencies. In order to gain information on the DFH-mechanism and on the role of the lower injected frequency we have carried out a series of dedicated experiments where we have put emphasis on the creation of a discrete resonance surface also for this lower frequency. Our well-established method of inserting an emissive MD (metal-dielectric) liner into the plasma chamber of the source is used in these experiments as a tool of investigation. In this way, the electron temperature and density for both ECR zones is increased in a controlled manner, allowing conclusions on the role of the change of the electron-energy-distribution function with and without DFH.
ABSTRACT
An influence of the extraction voltage on the high energy slope of bremsstrahlung radiation spectra has been reported in ECRIS experiments, which is not well understood so far. In order to provide more detailed data on this effect, we have measured bremsstrahlung radiation spectra accompanying especially the evolution of highly charge ions (i.e., by monitoring the Ar(14+) charge state) as the extraction voltage is changed from 0 to 20 kV, in dedicated experiments at the Frankfurt 14 GHz-ECRIS.
ABSTRACT
It is generally accepted that different effects are necessary to explain the gas mixing method of increasing the output of highly charged ions from an ECRIS. The two most important effects are the mass effect and the dilution effect. Their relative weights have not been determined experimentally yet, but it is generally assumed that the mass effect is dominant in standard ECRIS installations with stainless steel plasma chambers. In order to gain more insight into the physics of the gas mixing effect and in particular on the relevance of the dilution process, we have carried out a study where we have investigated the role of the plasma-wall interaction on the gas mixing effect. In this contribution, we shall discuss Charge state distributions spectra, measured at the Frankfurt ECRIS using different working gases, pure argon, a mixture of argon and oxygen, and argon mixed with neon.
ABSTRACT
Metal-dielectric (MD)-structures in electron cyclotron resonance ion source (ECRIS) devices (partially) restore the plasma ambipolarity and supply cold electrons to the plasma. Both effects lead to an enhancement of the plasma electron density and temperature and significantly increase the performance of this type of ion source. At the same time, MD-structures are well suited to reduce the heat load on cold masses by Bremsstrahlung radiation. Here, we report on experiments at high microwave powers to test the practical use of MD-structures for new, high performance ECRISs with their much higher power densities. The comparatively long conditioning times can be shortened by covering only those parts of the source with MD-structures, which are essential for the improvement.
ABSTRACT
Power loss by plasma-wall interactions may become a limitation for the performance of ECR and fusion plasma devices. Based on our research to optimize the performance of electron cyclotron resonance ion source (ECRIS) devices by the use of metal-dielectric (MD) structures, the development of the method presented here, allows to significantly improve the confinement of plasma electrons and hence to reduce losses. Dedicated measurements were performed at the Frankfurt 14 GHz ECRIS using argon and helium as working gas and high temperature resistive material for the MD structures. The analyzed charge state distributions and bremsstrahlung radiation spectra (corrected for background) also clearly verify the anticipated increase in the plasma-electron density and hence demonstrate the advantage by the MD-method.
ABSTRACT
The influence of metal-dielectric (MD) layers (MD structures) inserted into the plasma chamber of an electron cyclotron resonance ion source (ECRIS) onto the production of electron bremsstrahlung radiation has been studied in a series of dedicated experiments at the 14 GHz ECRIS of the Institut für Kernphysik der Universität Frankfurt. The IKF-ECRIS was equipped with a MD liner, covering the inner walls of the plasma chamber, and a MD electrode, covering the plasma-facing side of the extraction electrode. On the basis of similar extracted currents of highly charged ions, significantly reduced yields of bremsstrahlung radiation for the "MD source" as compared to the standard (stainless steel) source have been measured and can be explained by the significantly better plasma confinement in a MD source as compared to an "all stainless steel" ECRIS.
ABSTRACT
The dissociative electron transfer from He into 10 keV H2+ was measured in a kinematically complete experiment by using the cold target recoil ion momentum spectroscopy imaging technique in combination with a highly resolving molecular fragment imaging technique. The electron transfer into the dissociative b(3)Sigma+_(u) state of H2 could be selected by kinematic conditions. We find a striking double slit interference pattern in the transverse momentum transfer which we can modify by selecting different internuclear distances. Compared to an optical double slit, interference minima and maxima are interchanged. The latter is the result of a phase shift in the electronic part of the wave function.
ABSTRACT
Intense heavy ion beam production with electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) ion sources is a common requirement for many of the accelerators under construction in Europe and elsewhere. An average increase of about one order of magnitude per decade in the performance of ECR ion sources was obtained up to now since the time of pioneering experiment of R. Geller at CEA, Grenoble, and this trend is not deemed to get the saturation at least in the next decade, according to the increased availability of powerful magnets and microwave generators. Electron density above 10(13) cm(-3) and very high current of multiply charged ions are expected with the use of 28 GHz microwave heating and of an adequate plasma trap, with a B-minimum shape, according to the high B mode concept [S. Gammino and G. Ciavola, Plasma Sources Sci. Technol. 5, 19 (1996)]. The MS-ECRIS ion source has been designed following this concept and its construction is underway at GSI, Darmstadt. The project is the result of the cooperation of nine European institutions with the partial funding of EU through the sixth Framework Programme. The contribution of different institutions has permitted to build in 2006-2007 each component at high level of expertise. The description of the major components will be given in the following with a view on the planning of the assembly and commissioning phase to be carried out in fall 2007. An outline of the experiments to be done with the MS-ECRIS source in the next two years will be presented.
ABSTRACT
Charge diffusion in an electron cyclotron resonance ion source (ECRIS) discharge is usually characterized by nonambipolar behavior. While the ions are transported to the radial walls, electrons are lost axially from the magnetic trap. Global neutrality is maintained via compensating currents in the conducting walls of the vacuum chamber. It is assumed that this behavior reduces the ion breeding times compared to a truly ambipolar plasma. We have carried out a series of dedicated experiments in which the ambipolarity of the ECRIS plasma was influenced by inserting special metal-dielectric structures (MD layers) into the plasma chamber of the Frankfurt 14 GHz ECRIS. The measurements demonstrate the positive influence on the source performance when the ECR plasma is changed toward more ambipolar behavior.
