Initial experimental studies of electron accumulation in a heavy-ion beam

Accelerators for heavy-ion inertial fusion energy (HIF) have an economic incentive to fit beam tubes tightly to beams, putting them at risk from electron clouds produced by emission of electrons and gas from walls. Theory and PIC simulations suggest that the electrons will be radially trapped in the ≥1 kV ion-beam potential. We are beginning studies on the High-Current Experiment (HCX) with unique capabilities to characterize electron production and trapping, the effects on ion beams, and mitigation techniques. We are measuring the flux of electrons and gas evolved from a target, whose angle to the beam can be varied between 78° and 88° from normal incidence. Quadrupole magnets are operating with a variety of internal charged particle diagnostics to measure the beam halo loss, net charge, electron ionization rate, and gas density.