Status Report on the K.V.I. Cyclotron

The K.V.I. cyclotron, which has a maximum energy of 160 Q2/A MeV and which has been constructed by Philips, has been in regular operation since 1972. The machine is used mainly for nuclear physics with light ion beams. However, beams of heavier ions are in increasing demand. The Livingston type ion source now used only gives modest currents of C and O beams; a Dubna type source is being developed with the aim of increasing heavy ion beam currents. Also, a 7500 l/s cryopump is being built An rf beam pulser to be used for increasing the time interval between successive beam pulses on target has been installed and is being used regularly. A new beam line has recently been completed, two more beam lines will follow next year. The magnetic spectrograph is used for more than 50% of the nuclear physics beam time. Its data acquisition system allows an on-line check of the image on the focal plane detector. For use in beam lines and inside the cyclotron, pick-up probes have been built, allowing real-time observation of beam pulse shape and timing. A beginning has been made with computer controlled beam diagnostics. Design work on an axial injection system has been started; the main reassons for wanting such a system are improved heavy ion capabilities.