This project will result in the development of a novel ion beam current measuring and imaging device that is capable of measuring and imaging ion beams of intensity ranging from as low as femtoamperes to milliamperes. This novel device can be used as an on-line ion beam monitoring system not only for maximizing the low energy beam transport in the production of rare isotope ion beams but also for other stable heavy ion accelerators. With the determination of the absolute emission coefficients of the visible lights when the low energy ions hit a target and the best target material that produces the highest number of photons per ion, a beam monitoring device can be built by using a high sensitivity CCD camera to measure low energy ion beam of currents from milliamperes to as low as femtoamperes. Based on the data obtained in Phase I, a novel ion beam current measuring and imaging device is to be developed as an on-line ion beam monitor for maximizing the transport efficiency of the lower energy ion beams in the production of rare isotope beams and other heavy ion accelerators. Determine the absolute emission coefficients of the visible lights when the low energy ions hit a target and the best target material that produces the highest number of photons per ion, and versus the ion charge state and energy. Investigate the possibility of resolving the ion beams with contamination. Design and estimate the cost for an economic ion beam monitoring device for applications in DOEs rare isotope beam production and other applications.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: In addition to the applications in nuclear and applied science, the developed ion current measuring and imaging device can be used in industry for monitoring dosage and uniformity in ion implantation, surface modification and ion milling.
