Initial operation of the CW 8X H/sup -/ ion source discharge

A pulsed 8X source was built and the H/sup -/ beam current, emittance, and power efficiency were measured. These results were promising, so a cooled, dc version designed for operation at are power levels up to 30 kW was built. Testing of the CW 8X source discharge is underway. The design dc power loading on the cathode surface is 900 W/cm/sup 2/, considerably higher than achieved in any previous Penning surface-plasma source (SPS). Thus, the electrode surfaces are cooled with pressurized, hot water. We describe the source and present the initial operating experience and are test results.<>