A Small "Cold-Cathode" High-Intensity Cyclotron Ion Source

High beam currents have been achieved with a radial source which fits into the 2-inch gap of a 30-inch cyclotron. The geometry is that of a cold-cathode or P. I. G. source. However, the cathodes are heated to thermionic temperatures by ion bombardment rather than a conventional high-current heated filament. The source is now in use and produces intense beams of H+, D+, He3, and alpha particles. Internal beams of H+ or D+ of more than one mA are obtained routinely at extraction radius. In addition, 30 μA of H- or D- are obtained at a stripping foil by merely reversing the magnetic field of the cyclotron.