Innovative launching schemes in ECR ion sources

Abstract

An optimised RF power delivery in magnetoplasmas of ECR ion sources is crucial in order to provide a cost effective upgrade (plasma density and temperature increase and multiply charged ions production) of these machines without recurring to higher and higher magnetic fields, power level and pumping wave frequency. This can be done by following two strategies: a) in a pure ECR-heating scenario, by multiplexing different frequencies; b) in a modal-conversion scenario, by multiple-launching at different frequencies, controllable angles and polarization. The paper will show two typical cases in both the aforementioned scenarios, as developed at INFN-LNS. Test-benches have been developed on purpose, such as the “Plasma Reactor” and “Flexible Plasma Trap”, and solutions have been proposed also for ion beams current boosting in the injectors of the Superconducting Cyclotron.