Using Fast Reading Current Integrator for Advanced Ion Beam Diagnostics Across Continuous and Pulsed Modes

TL;DR

This paper introduces a high-speed, low-noise current integrator for ion beam diagnostics capable of real-time, high-resolution measurements in both continuous and pulsed modes, enhancing beam analysis and control.

Contribution

A novel hybrid digitization system combining charge-balancing and voltage-to-frequency conversion for fast, accurate ion beam current measurement with real-time feedback capabilities.

Findings

Achieves 0.5 ms temporal resolution in ion beam measurements.

Demonstrates stable, linear operation with high timing fidelity.

Enables fast beam-interrupt signals within 1 microsecond.

Abstract

A fast-reading current integrator is developed for high time-resolution and low-noise ion beam diagnostics under both continuous-wave and pulsed operating conditions. The system combines a low-leakage transimpedance front-end with a hybrid digitization architecture based on charge-balancing and voltage-to-frequency conversion. The input current is converted into a pulse stream corresponding to discrete charge quanta, enabling event-driven measurement with temporal resolution down to 0.5 ms while preserving a wide dynamic range and high linearity. The system further enables real-time pulse selection for instantaneous dose-rate estimation and reconstruction of time-dependent beam structures. A deterministic beam-interrupt signal is generated within <1 us upon reaching a predefined charge threshold, enabling fast feedback control. Additional functionalities, including threshold- and slope-based gating as well as phase-sensitive detection, enhance performance under noisy or modulated beam conditions. Calibration with precision current sources and beamline detectors demonstrates stable operation with excellent linearity and timing fidelity. The proposed system provides a compact and flexible platform for next-generation ion beam diagnostics requiring fast response, large dynamic range, and time-resolved measurement.