Metal-dielectric structures for high power electron cyclotron resonance ion source

Rev Sci Instrum. 2010 Feb;81(2):02A326. doi: 10.1063/1.3267829.

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.