The PXIE LEBT Design Choices

TL;DR

This paper discusses the design principles and trade-offs behind the PXIE LEBT, emphasizing its ability to transport un-neutralized beams over a significant length for both pulsed and DC operation.

Contribution

It introduces the specific design choices and rationale for the PXIE LEBT, highlighting its unique un-neutralized transport capability.

Findings

Successful implementation of un-neutralized beam transport

Design principles enabling flexibility for pulsed and DC beams

Guidelines for LEBT design in high-intensity accelerators

Abstract

Typical front-ends of modern light-ion high-intensity accelerators typically consist of an ion source, a Low Energy Beam Transport (LEBT), a Radiofrequency Quadrupole (RFQ) and a Medium Energy Beam Transport (MEBT), which is followed by the main linac accelerating structures. Over the years, many LEBTs have been designed, constructed and operated very successfully. In this paper, we present the guiding principles and compromises that lead to the design choices of the PXIE LEBT, including the rationale for a beam line that allows un-neutralized transport over a significant portion of the LEBT whether the beam is pulsed or DC.