On Optimization of the Metal Ion Production by Electron Cyclotron Resonance Ion Sources

The three-dimensional NAM-ECRIS model is applied for studying the metal ion production in the DECRIS-PM Electron Cyclotron Resonance Ion Source. Experimentally measured extracted ion currents are accurately reproduced with the model. Parameters of the injection of metal vapors into the source are optimized. It is found that the axial injection of the highly directional fluxes allows increasing the extracted ion currents of the highly charged calcium ions by factor of 1.5. The reason for the gain in the currents is formation of internal barrier for the ions inside the plasma, which increase the ion extraction and production efficiency. Benefits of injecting the singly-charged calcium ions instead of atoms are discussed.

Automated summary

The three-dimensional NAM-ECRIS model is used to study metal ion production in the DECRIS-PM Electron Cyclotron Resonance Ion Source. Optimizing parameters of metal vapor injection increases extracted ion currents, particularly for highly charged calcium ions, by forming an internal barrier within the plasma. The benefits of injecting singly-charged calcium ions instead of atoms are also discussed.