A design of an ECR ion source for radioactive ion beams for ISAC on-line facility at TRIUMF

A 2.45 GHz ECR ion source for the ISAC on-line operation is being tested at the TRIUMF ion source test stand prior to its installation in the radioactive ion beam production target module. Steps were taken at the design stage to ensure short transient time and high ionization efficiency for single charged ions. Further considerations were given to radiation hardness, reliability, and remote handling capabilities. Transient time was measured using an ultrafast piezoelectric valve. Efficiencies were measured using calibrated gas leaks of stable and radioactive isotopes such as Xe-127. This article describes the overall characteristics of the source. (C) 2002 American Institute of Physics.