A simple multi-cathode cesium sputter negative ion source for the NSC 15UD pelletron accelerator

A multi-sample, high intensity cesium sputter negative ion source to be used with the NSC 15UD tandem accelerator has been developed and tested. The sample wheel can accommodate up to 24 samples and the desired sample can be brought into position by rotating the wheel which can be controlled remotely using a stepping motor arrangement. The source is equipped with a spherical geometry ionizer. The mechanical design features and preliminary test results are described.