Integrating a Traveling-Wave Tube into an AECR-U Ion Source

A radio frequency system of 500 W output power from 10.75 to 12.75 GHz frequency range was designed and integrated into the Advanced Electron Cyclotron Resonance—Upgrade (AECR-U) ion source of the 88-inch cyclotron at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The AECR-U produces ion beams for the cyclotron, giving large flexibility of ion species and charge states. The broadband frequency of a traveling-wave tube (TWT) allows modifying the volume that couples and heats the plasma. The TWT system design and integration with the AECR-U ion source and results from commissioning are presented.