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At least 55 records · Page 3

Different approaches to modeling the LANSCE H{sup −} ion source filament performance

An overview of different approaches to modeling of hot tungsten filament performance in the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) H{sup −} surface converter ion source is presented. The most critical components in this negative ion source are two specially shaped wire filaments heated up to the working temperature range of 2600 K–2700 K during normal beam production. In order to prevent catastrophic filament failures (creation of hot spots, wire breaking, excessive filament deflection towards source body, etc.) and to improve understanding of the material erosion processes, we have simulated the filament performance using three different models: a semi-empirical model, a thermal finite-element analysis model, and an analytical model. Results of all three models were compared with data taken during LANSCE beam production. The models were used to support the recent successful transition from the beam pulse repetition rate of 60 Hz–120 Hz.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Beam-dynamics codes used at DARHT

Several beam simulation codes are used to help gain a better understanding of beam dynamics in the DARHT LIAs. The most notable of these fall into the following categories: for beam production – Tricomp Trak orbit tracking code, LSP Particle in cell (PIC) code, for beam transport and acceleration – XTR static envelope and centroid code, LAMDA time-resolved envelope and centroid code, LSP-Slice PIC code, for coasting-beam transport to target – LAMDA time-resolved envelope code, LSP-Slice PIC code. These codes are also being used to inform the design of Scorpius.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Shaped Beams from Diamond Field-Emitter Array Cathodes

Diamond field-emitter arrays (DFEAs) are arrays of diamond pyramids with exquisitely sharp tips and micrometer-scale bases that produce high current densities. These arrays can be fabricated in arbitrary shapes, ranging from single tips to many millions of tips, so that they produce an inherently shaped electron beam. Each tip emits a modest current, but the large dense array can produce many Amps. We are investigating these cathodes for use in dielectric wakefield accelerators; however, they may also be applicable to vacuum microwave tubes. Recently, shaped beam production and transport have been demonstrated in the 1.3-GHz RF gun at the Argonne Cathode Test Stand at the Argonne National Laboratory. The charge was measured on a Faraday cup and the beam imaged on a YAG screen with peak electric field gradients on the cathode ranging from 12 to 35 MV/m. Three cathode geometries were tested: one 1-mm equilateral triangle with 7-mu m base pyramids and 10-mu m pitch, one 1-mm equilateral triangle with 10-mu m base and 25-mu m pitch, and one sparse 5 x 5 square array with 20-mu m base and 400-mu m pitch. The two triangular arrays emitted 35 nC in an RF macropulse at 35 MV/m and 13-nC charge at 27 MV/m, respectively, while the sparse array emitted 0.060-nC charge at 15 MV/m. This article presents the results of the triangular array experiments, including damage due to breakdown in the RF gun and initial models of tip-to-tip shielding.

Cathodes↗

The RHIC polarized source upgrade

The RHIC polarized H{sup −} ion source is being upgraded to higher intensity and polarization for use in the RHIC polarization physics program at enhanced luminosity RHIC operation. The higher beam intensity will allow reduction of the longitudinal transverse beam emittance at injection to AGS to reduce polarization losses in AGS. There is also a planned RHIC luminosity upgrade by using the electron beam lens to compensate the beam-beam interaction at collision points. This upgrade is also essential for future BNL plans for a high-luminosity electron-proton (ion) Collider eRHIC. The basic limitations on the high-intensity H{sup −} ion beam production in charge-exchange collisions of the neutral atomic hydrogen beam in the Na-vapor jet ionizer cell were experimentally studied.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Hot filament performance in a Freeman ion source

Here, we report on the simulation results of the hot tungsten filament behavior in a Freeman ions source installed in the LANL electro-magnetic isotope separator (EMIS). The Freeman source enables us to ionize and extract high intensity single-charge ion beams from different gases as well as from various solid materials in order to purify the content of a selected isotope. We have modified our LANSCE H– Ion Source Filament Model to calculate the ion source working parameters during a beam production cycle and estimate the ion source filament lifetime. Two main mass erosion processes of the hot cathode in a Freeman ion source are included: thermal evaporation and plasma sputtering. The initial working temperature of the ion source filament was estimated to be in range of 2400 to 2500 K. The filament model shows that the plasma sputtering rate is several magnitude of order higher than the thermal evaporation rate. The results of ion source modeling were compared with recorded data during the EMIS beam production runs using krypton noble gas.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Negative ion production and beam extraction processes in a large ion source (invited)

Recent research results on negative-ion-rich plasmas in a large negative ion source have been reviewed. Spatial density and flow distributions of negative hydrogen ions (H{sup −}) and positive hydrogen ions together with those of electrons are investigated with a 4-pin probe and a photodetachment (PD) signal of a Langmuir probe. The PD signal is converted to local H{sup −} density from signal calibration to a scanning cavity ring down PD measurement. Introduction of Cs changes the slope of plasma potential local distribution depending upon the plasma grid bias. A higher electron density H{sub 2} plasma locally shields the bias potential and behaves like a metallic free electron gas. On the other hand, the bias and extraction electric fields penetrate in a Cs-seeded electronegative plasma even when the electron density is similar. Electrons are transported by the penetrated electric fields from the driver region along and across the filter and electron deflection magnetic fields. Plasma ions exhibited a completely different response against the penetration of electric fields.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Negative ion production in the RF multiaperture surface-plasma source

The experiments on negative hydrogen ion beam production in a multi-aperture long-pulse surface-plasma source are described. H- ions are produced on the surface of a plasma grid covered by cesium and illuminated by fast plasma particles. The source uses a radio-frequency driver to generate plasma. A composite magnet system made of external permanent magnets confines and filters electrons in the plasma region, and deflects them in the extraction area. A multiaperture, multi-electrode ion optical system is used for beam formation. The electrode heating and cooling during long pulses is accomplished by circulating a heat transfer fluid through channels drilled in the electrodes bodies. H- ions extraction through a single aperture and 21 apertures was performed and studied. A stable H- beam with the current up to 0.7 A, energy up to 74 kV, and pulse duration up to 7 s was routinely obtained.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Characterizing and Controlling Beam Losses at the LANSCE Facility

The Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) currently provides 100-MeV H{sup +} and 800-MeV H{sup -} beams to several user facilities that have distinct beam requirements, e.g. intensity, micropulse pattern, duty factor, etc. Minimizing beam loss is critical to achieving good performance and reliable operation, but can be challenging in the context of simultaneous multi-beam delivery. This presentation will discuss various aspects related to the observation, characterization and minimization of beam loss associated with normal production beam operations in the linac.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Radiation Transport Calculations in Support of FRIB Target Building Local Shield Design - Paper 113

Construction of the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) began in March 2014 on the campus of Michigan State University (MSU). FRIB will use a 400 kW heavy-ion driver LINAC to accelerate stable ions to energies greater than 200 MeV/u. Rare-isotope beam production will occur via interaction of the heavy-ion primary beam with a rotating carbon production target at the beginning of the fragmentation pre-separator located in the target building. An integral component of the design process involves the quantification of dose equivalents received by both facility personnel and the general public that can be expected once the facility is operational. The MSU ALARA goal for radiation to the general public from FRIB is <10 mrem/y (from all sources). (authors)

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Redesigned Electron-Beam Furnace Boosts Productivity

Redesigned electron-beam furnace features carousel of greater capacity so more experiments conducted per loading, and time spent on reloading and vacuum pump-down reduced. Common mounting plate for electron source and carousel simplifies installation and reduces vibration.

Williams, Gary A.↗

Validation of a virtual source model for Monte Carlo dose calculations of a flattening filter free linac

Purpose: A linac delivering intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) can benefit from a flattening filter free (FFF) design which offers higher dose rates and reduced accelerator head scatter than for conventional (flattened) delivery. This reduction in scatter simplifies beam modeling, and combining a Monte Carlo dose engine with a FFF accelerator could potentially increase dose calculation accuracy. The objective of this work was to model a FFF machine using an adapted version of a previously published virtual source model (VSM) for Monte Carlo calculations and to verify its accuracy. Methods: An Elekta Synergy linear accelerator operating at 6 MV has been modified to enable irradiation both with and without the flattening filter (FF). The VSM has been incorporated into a commercially available treatment planning system (Monaco Trade-Mark-Sign v 3.1) as VSM 1.6. Dosimetric data were measured to commission the treatment planning system (TPS) and the VSM adapted to account for the lack of angular differential absorption and general beam hardening. The model was then tested using standard water phantom measurements and also by creating IMRT plans for a range of clinical cases. Results: The results show that the VSM implementation handles the FFF beams very well, with an uncertainty between measurement and calculation of <1% which is comparable to conventional flattened beams. All IMRT beams passed standard quality assurance tests with >95% of all points passing gamma analysis ({gamma} < 1) using a 3%/3 mm tolerance. Conclusions: The virtual source model for flattened beams was successfully adapted to a flattening filter free beam production. Water phantom and patient specific QA measurements show excellent results, and comparisons of IMRT plans generated in conventional and FFF mode are underway to assess dosimetric uncertainties and possible improvements in dose calculation and delivery.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Operational Experience with the Nb/Pb SRF Photoelectron Gun

SRF photoelectron guns offer the promise of high brightness, high average current beam production for the next generation of accelerator driven light sources such as free electron lasers, THz radiation sources or energy-recovery linac driven synchrotron radiation sources. In a first step a fully superconducting RF (SRF) photoelectron gun is under development by a collaboration between HZB, DESY, JLAB, BNL and NCBJ. The aim of the experiment is to understand and improve the performance of a Nb SRF gun cavity coated with a small metallic Pb cathode film on the cavity backplane. This paper describes the highlights from the commissioning and beam parameter measurements. The main focus is on lessons learned from operation of the SRF gun.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

First results of the 2.45 GHz Oshima electron cyclotron resonance ion source

A new electron cyclotron resonance ion source has been constructed at Oshima College with a 2.45 GHz magnetron microwave source and permanent magnets employed as the main components. In addition, a solid-state power amplifier with a frequency range of 2.5–6.0 GHz was installed to study two-frequency plasma heating. Three solenoid coils were set up for adjusting the axial magnetic fields. Argon plasma generation and ion beam production have been conducted during the first year of operation. Ion current densities in the ECR plasma were measured using a biased disk. For 2.45 and 4.65 GHz two-frequency plasma heating, the ion density was approximately 1.5 times higher than that of 2.45 GHz single-frequency heating.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗