Automated Multiple-Beam Charged-Particle Transport System

A novel automated magnet switching system has been devised whereby power for beam-transport magnets of multiple-beam arrays can be supplied by common power supplies, thereby reducing the power-supply cost to that of a single beam line. The heart of the system is compact and inexpensive computer-or punched-card-operated reversing and selector switches that can switch kiloamperes. The complete system and the switches are described in detail.