Modeling of H- ion source at LANSCE

TL;DR

This paper presents a multiphysics model for the H- ion source at LANSCE, focusing on filament lifetime prediction and performance optimization through detailed physical process analysis and benchmarking against experimental data.

Contribution

The paper introduces a first-principles analytical model and a numerical code for predicting H- ion source performance, including filament lifetime, which is validated with experimental data.

Findings

Model accurately predicts filament lifetime in different regimes.

Good agreement between simulation results and experimental data.

The model enables performance prediction and optimization of the ion source.

Abstract

We report on the progress in modelling performance of the H- ion source at LANSCE. The key aspect we address is the lifetime of the tungsten filament. The lifetime depends on multiple parameters of the ion source and can dramatically vary in different regimes of operation. We use the multiphysics approach to model the performance of the ion source. The detailed analysis has been made to recognize key physical processes, which affect the degradation of the filament. The analysis resulted in the analytical model, which includes relevant processes from the first principles. The numerical code based on this model has been developed and benchmarked. The results of the modelling show good agreement with experimental data. As a result, the developed model allows predicting the performance of the ion source in various regimes of operation.