Proposal of Polarized ^3He^{++} Ion Source for JINR Accelerator Complex

TL;DR

This paper proposes a new polarized ^3He^{++} ion source for JINR, utilizing existing components and RF transitions to produce polarized helium-3 ions for accelerator applications.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method to generate polarized ^3He^{++} ions using a modified deuteron source and RF transition units, supported by theoretical and simulation studies.

Findings

RF transitions in helium-3 metastable states can control polarization.

Computer simulations align with existing data.

Two types of RF transitions enable positive or negative polarization.

Abstract

It is proposed to develop a source of polarized ^3He^{++} ions for the JINR Accelerator Complex on the basis of its polarized deuteron source by feeding its radio-frequency dissociator with ^3He gas to produce metastable atoms, using an existing sextupole magnet and adding a low-field rf transition units. The radio-frequency transitions of the atomic states of helium-3 in the metastable state are studied. The Schroedinger equations in the uncoupled basis |\psi_e,\psi_h> and also in the basis of stationary states are received. Results of computer simulations agree with published data. The possibility to use two types of the weak field transitions in the helium-3 with different frequencies to get positive or negative values of the helion polarization is shown.