The development of magnetic ion-source with high ionisation efficiency

Abstract

Starting from the principle given by A. Th. F i n k e l s t e i n l) , M. yon Ardenne2) 3) and W. Maas4), further development of the magnetic ion-source has been undertaken. The instrument has been designed especially for use with a 800 kV neutron generator described by W. M a a s 4) and under normal operating conditions the source will have an output of 1 mA ion current. After increasing input power several milliamperes may be obtained. The principal advantages of the magnetic source turn out to be: 1. the power consumption is low, power is obtained from storage batteries. Consequently the source and its complete power supply can be put at a high potential with respect to the earth; 2. no artificial cooling is required; 3. gas-pressure and hence gas-consumption are low; 4. a homogeneous ion beam -- with respect to ion velocity -- is obtained.