Model for Heating of Electron Cyclotron Resonance Ion Sources

In nuclear physics research, the use of rare isotope ion beams with extreme proton-to-neutron ratios provides insight into the synthesis of new elements and the discovery of rare nuclei. To achieve these ion beams, electron cyclotron resonance ion sources (ECRIS) generate multiply charged ions through electron impact ionization in a confined plasma. The key to operating an ECRIS is efficient heating of the plasma electrons with electromagnetic waves. However, there exists only a rudimentary understanding of how these waves are absorbed by the plasma and energize the electrons. This project will develop a sophisticated modeling tool to simulate the heating of the ECRIS plasma by electromagnetic waves. The tool will aid ECRIS users in operating existing ion sources and designing and building new ones. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee Numerical modeling of plasma heating in ion sources should improve the efficiency of rare isotope ion beam facilities. The simulation tool should be applicable for the design of particle accelerators, atomic physics experiments, and industrial applications using highly charged ions.