Production of Positive Ion Beams from Solids

We have recently reported a technique for making metal ions for cyclotrons. Metal and non-metal ions from solids are produced in a Penning ion source by a process that involves ions that are unable to cross the first acceleration gap between the ion source and dee and are accelerated back into the ion source where they sputter charge material into the arc. This material is ionized and extracted from the ion source and accelerated. We have now used this technique for a large variety of ions, both metal and non-metal, including most recently aluminum from the metal and boron from boron nitride charge materials. We have also calculated the efficiency for making iron ions with different ion support gases and have experimentally checked these results. We are presently designing a dual ion source for our dc Penning ion source test stand which we believe will make an excellent source for producing ions from solids for dc extracted Penning ion sources.