High-voltage, high-impedance ion beam production

A high-power, high-impedance ion beam diode has been fielded on the Mercury inductive voltage adder at typical parameters of 4 MV, 360 kA, and 70-90-kA ion current. These results are consistent with theory and with LSP calculations. This beam is focused onto a CF
₂
target to produce characteristic gammas via the
¹⁹
F(p,¿¿)
¹⁶
O reaction. Diagnostics characterize the ion emission from the anode, the beam distribution on the target, and the gamma yield. Shaping the anode surface improves beam focusing on the target. Our experimental arrangement allows us to resolve the gamma signal in the presence of the diode bremsstrahlung, and to minimize spurious neutron production. The calculated gamma yield exceeds 10
¹¹
gammas/sr.