Research and development for Rare Ion Beam production at TRIUMF

Fernando Maldonado Millan (University of Victoria and TRIUMF, Canada)

TRIUMF’s is Canada’s particle acceleration center with more than 50 years of experience delivering 500 MeV protons from the world’s largest cyclotron. Today, a suite of accelerator provides electrons, protons, and heavy ions for a diverse field of applications, such as material characterization, cancer treatment, and fundamental research. At ISAC (Isotope Separator and Accelerator), proton-induced Rare Ion Beams (RIBs) at energies ranging from 15 keV to 16 MeV are delivered to a range of experimental end stations. With the upcoming Advance Rare IsotopE Laboratory, TRIUMF will triple its RIB capabilities by delivering three simultaneous beams. In additions to another proton target station supplied by the main cyclotron, the world’s first high-power electron ISOL target will use a 35 MeV electron from a new superconducting linear accelerator.

Due to the increasing demand foreseen not only on target materials but also on ion sources, there is scope to improve the efficiency and beam quality of the ISOL method. Surface and Resonant Laser ion sources are well-understood, whereas the Forced Electron Beam Induced Arc Discharge (FEBIAD) still poses challenges in terms of in-depth understanding. International collaborative efforts are being performed in the ISOL community to investigate the limitations and the underlying physic mechanisms of the FEBIAD. We have started a combined simulation and experimental campaign across different labs to benefit from respective strengths and resources.

Preliminary simulations performed at TRIUMF, indicate that the ionization rate inside the anode exhibits a spatial variation determined by the local electron fluence. The FEBIAD electromagnet coil is included in a simulation for the first time and a first validation of the methodology is the reproduction of the ion current generated as a function of the electromagnet coil current. The geometry dependence observed on the ionization rate could lead to an overall optimization of the current geometry ultimately contributing to a deeper understanding of the FEBIAD ion source, hopefully to the benefit all ISOL facilities.

Practical information:

14h30 GANIL seminar room (105)
Coffee will be served 15mn before