Modifications of a barium surface conversion source for operation with RF discharge

Abstract

A surface production D/sup +/ ion source for fusion research is in the process of being developed at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory. Significant modifications to prototype surface conversion source are described. A "converter" consisting of a water cooled molybdenum substrate with a 1 mm barium surface layer has been developed. The source has been adapted from the filament to the RF discharge. The design and fabrication of the barium converter, the development of RF antennas, and the design of diagnostic tools for evaluating source performance are discussed.