Modeling Tool for Optimizing Electron Beam Ion Sources

In nuclear physics research, the use of radioactive ions with extreme proton-to-neutron ratios provides insight into the synthesis of new elements and the discovery of rare nuclei. These radioactive ions are generated by ion sources with a particular charge state distribution. However, the lack of knowledge about the physics of ion sources makes the optimization of this distribution a time consuming process. Usually, beam operations must be halted while the source is taken ¿offline,¿ creating significant down time for a beam facility. This project will develop a sophisticated modeling tool to simulate the operation of an electron beam ion source (EBIS). The tool will allow the optimization of the charge state distribution to be studied without halting beam operations. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee Numerical modeling of the charge state evolution in ion sources should improve the efficiency of radioactive ion beam facilities. The simulation tool should be applicable for the design of for particle accelerators, atomic physics experiments, and industrial applications using highly charged ions.