Particle Sources

TL;DR

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of various particle source technologies used in accelerators, including electron, ion, negative, and polarized sources, with discussions on physical principles and operational considerations.

Contribution

It offers a detailed summary of existing particle source types, their physical principles, and practical aspects, serving as a valuable reference for accelerator technology development.

Findings

Summarizes diverse particle source technologies.

Highlights physical principles of negative ion production.

Discusses practical considerations for source operation.

Abstract

This paper outlines the many ways that the initial beam can be made for particle accelerators. Brief introductions to plasma physics and beam formation are given. Thermionic and photo emission electron guns, with both DC and Radio Frequency (RF) acceleration are outlined. Positive ion sources for producing H+ ions and multiply charged heavy ions are covered. Hot cathode filament sources and cold cathode sources are explored. RF discharge sources (inductively coupled, microwave and ECR) are discussed, as are laser, vacuum arc, and electron beam sources. The physical principles of negative ion production are outlined and different types of negative ion source technologies are described. Polarised particle sources are mentioned briefly. Source choice is summarised and the general practicalities of source operation and development are discussed.