Heavy ion beam scanning system of DC-110 accelerator

A heavy ion acceleration complex for industrial applications based on the DC-110 cyclotron has been developed at the Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research. It is planned to irradiate polymer films with a width of up to 600 mm at this complex. This paper presents a design of a system for scanning heavy ion beam which offers uniform film irradiation at a beam energy of up to 2.5 MeV/nucleon. The general concept of the two-channel scanning system and the design of the main deflecting magnets are described.     

Numerical simulation of ions acceleration and extraction in cyclotron DC-110

In Flerov’s Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions of JINR in the framework of project “Beta” a cyclotron complex for a wide range of applied research in nanotechnology (track membranes, surface modification, etc.) is created. The complex includes a dedicated heavy-ion cyclotron DC-110, which yields intense beams of accelerated ions Ar, Kr and Xe with a fixed energy of 2.5 MeV/A. The cyclotron is equipped with external injection on the base of ECR ion source, a spiral inflector and the system of ions extraction consisting of an electrostatic deflector and a passive magnetic channel. The results of calculations of the beam dynamics in measured magnetic field from the exit of spiral inflector to correcting magnet located outside the accelerator vacuum chamber are presented. It is shown that the design parameters of ion beams at the entrance of correcting magnet will be obtained using false channel, which is a copy of the passive channel, located on the opposite side of the magnetic system. Extraction efficiency of ions will reach 75%.     

Development,creation, and startup of the DC-110 heavy ion cyclotron complex for industrial production of track membranes

The DC-110 heavy ion cyclotron for industrial production of track membranes has been developed and created at the Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research. The cyclotron is equipped with an electron cyclotron resonance ion source operating at a frequency of 18 GHz. The accelerator complex was put into operation in 2012 and ⁴⁰Ar⁶⁺, ⁸⁶Kr¹³⁺, and ¹³²Xe²⁰⁺ ion beams with a energy of 2.5 MeV/nucleon and intensity of 13, 14.5, and 10.5 μA, respectively, were produced. Irradiation of a polymer film was carried out on a specialized channel and track membranes with a high uniformity of pores were obtained. The DC-110 accelerator complex can produce up to 2 million square meters of track membranes per year.     

Vacuum system of heavy ion cyclotron complex DC-60

The vacuum system of the heavy ion cyclotron complex DC-60 created at the Flerov Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research for the interdisciplinary research complex (Astana, Kazakhstan) is described. The results of numerical simulation of transmission efficiency of accelerated ions in the course of recharging on residual gas, which determines the basic parameters of the designed vacuum system, are presented. As a result of successful implementation of the cyclotron complex DC-60 project, heavy ion beams were accelerated. The obtained parameters of the vacuum system agree completely with calculations, which were the basis of the project.     

High frequency acceleration system of the DC-280 cyclotron

The radio-frequency (RF) accelerating system designed at the Flerov Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (FLNR JINR), for the DC-280 cyclotron is described. The cyclotron is intended to increase the capabilities and efficiency of experiments on the synthesis of superheavy elements and investigate their nuclear-physical and chemical properties. The DC-280 isochronous heavyion cyclotron will produce an accelerated beam of ions in the range from neon to uranium. The results of the preliminary and 3D numerical calculations of the main cavity of this system are reported. The preliminary calculations by the Coaxresonator software have allowed the geometry of the main cavity to be chosen. 3D numerical simulation has completely confirmed the correctness of the preliminary calculations. For example, the difference in frequency between the preliminary and 3D numerical calculations is no larger than 1%. The electric-field component maps obtained from the simulations are used to calculate the beam dynamics in the cyclotron.     

Flat-top system of the DC-280 cyclotron

The flat-top cavity of the radio-frequency accelerating system designed at the Flerov Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, for the DC-280 cyclotron is described. The cyclotron is intended for increasing the capabilities and efficiency of experiments on the synthesis of super-heavy elements and an investigation of their nuclear physical and chemical properties. The DC-280 isochronous heavy-ion cyclotron will produce accelerated beam of ions in the range from neon to uranium. The parameters, design, and results of the experimental and 3D computer modeling of the flat-top cavity of the RF accelerating system of the DC-280 cyclotron are reported.     

DC-60 heavy ion cyclotron complex: The first beams and project parameters

The construction of the DC-60 Heavy Ion Cyclotron for the Interdisciplinary Scientific Research Complex (ISRC) in Astana started in early 2004. The cyclotron was manufactured and tested at the Flerov Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions (FLNR) in Dubna. The main units were delivered to Astana and assembled in the ISRC building in the summer of 2006. The cyclotron was turned on in September, 2006. The first heavy ion beams in the whole A/Z and energy ranges were accelerated and extracted in December, 2006. The complex, based on the DC-60 cyclotron, is intended for applied and fundamental research using accelerated heavy ion beams ranging from Carbon to Xenon with energies in the range of 0.34–1.77 MeV/nucleon, as well as for experiments on the channel of low energy ion beams, where the ion extraction voltage supplied by the ECR source reaches 25 kV. The energy variation of the accelerated ions is accomplished by changing the ion charge. The possibility of smoothly tuning the ion energy by ±30% of its nominal value can be seen by changing the cyclotron magnetic field. Within the framework of commissioning the DC-60 cyclotron, a number of experiments were carried out with accelerating charged particle beams in the main points of the working diagram

3D simulation of the ion-beam transport in bending magnets and electrostatic deflectors

The equations and algorithms for calculating the charged-particle-beam dynamics in bending magnets and electrostatic deflectors, which are used in the ion-beam transport lines and spectrometers, are presented. Calculations of the electromagnetic field 3D maps are illustrated. The value of the electromagnetic-field nonlinearities and their effect on the particle dynamics are analyzed. The simulation of the ion dynamics in the axial injection beam line of the DC-280 cyclotron and GALS spectrometer created at the JINR Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions (FLNR) is described.     

C235-V3 cyclotron for a proton therapy center to be installed in the hospital complex of radiation medicine (Dimitrovgrad)

Proton therapy is an effective method of treating oncologic diseases. In Russia, construction of several centers for proton and ion therapy is slated for the years to come. A proton therapy center in Dimitrovgrad will be the first. The Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (Russia) in collaboration with Ion Beam Application (IBA) (Belgium) has designed an C235-V3 medical proton cyclotron for this center. It outperforms previous versions of commercial IBA cyclotrons, which have already been installed in 11 oncologic hospital centers in different countries. Experimental and calculation data for the beam dynamics in the C235-V3 medical cyclotron are presented. Reasons for beam losses during acceleration are considered, the influence of the magnetic field radial component in the midplane of the accelerator and main resonances is studied, and a beam extraction system is designed. In 2011–2012 in Dubna, the cyclotron was mounted, its magnetic field was properly configured, acceleration conditions were optimized, and beam extraction tests were carried out after which it was supplied to Dimitrovgrad. In the C235-V3 cyclotron, an acceleration efficiency of 72% and an extraction efficiency of 62% have been achieved without diaphragming to form a vertical profile of the beam.     

Positron emission isotope production cyclotron in DLNP JINR (Status Report)

A C10-cyclotron for radioisotope production is under construction at the Dzhelepov Laboratory of Nuclear Problem, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (DLNP JINR). It is a compact isochronous cyclotron for accelerating H⁻ ions to the energy of about 10 MeV. The magnetic system, vacuum chamber and accelerating system is being built now. Results of the calculation and forming of the cyclotron magnetic field and the study of the beam dynamics from an ion source to an extraction system in calculated magnetic field are presented. The text was submitted by the authors in English.     

IC-100 accelerator complex for scientific and applied research

Industrial production of nuclear filters has been implemented at the IC-100 cyclotron complex of the Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research. After the complete upgrade, the cyclotron was equipped with the superconducting ECR ion source and the system of external axial beam injection. The implantation complex was equipped with the special transportation channel with the beam scanning system and the setup for irradiation of polymer films. Intense beams of heavy ions Ne, Ar, Fe, Kr, Xe, I, and W with an energy of ～1 MeV/nucleon were obtained. the properties of irradiated crystals were studied, different polymer films were irradiated, and several thousands of square meters of track membranes with pore densities varying in a wide range were produced. Other scientific and applied problems can be solved at the cyclotron complex.     

Magnet design and beam dynamics in computed fields for the DC-350 cyclotron

The DC-350 is an isochronous cyclotron designed in the Flerov Laboratory of Nuclear Reaction (FLNR). It is intended for accelerating ions with a mass-to-charge ratio A/Z within an interval of 5–10 and with an energy of 3–12 MeV/u at the extraction radius. These ion beams will be used in nuclear and applied physics experiments. The paper describes the results of a 3D magnet simulation. The cyclotron magnet and IM90 analiziting-bend magnet of the axial injection channel are studied here. The influence of correction coils on the cyclotron magnet is calculated. All magnet fields were calculated by MERMAID 3D code [1]. The text was submitted by the authors in English.     

Simulation of electron behavior in PIG ion source for 9 MeV cyclotron

In this paper, we focus on a PIG source for producing intense H-ions inside a 9 MeV cyclotron. The properties of the PIG ion source were simulated for a variety of electric field distributions and magnetic field strengths using a CST particle studio. After analyzing the secondary electron emission (SEE) as a function of both magnetic and electric field strengths, we found that for the modeled PIG geometry, a magnetic field strength of 0.2 T provided the best results in terms of the number of secondary electrons. Furthermore, at 0.2 T, the number of secondary electrons proved to be greatest regardless of the cathode potential. Also, the modified PIG ion source with quartz insulation tubes was tested in a KIRAMS-13 cyclotron by varying the gas flow rate and arc current, respectively. The capacity of the designed ion source was also demonstrated by producing plasma inside the constructed 9 MeV cyclotron. As a result, the ion source is verified as being capable of producing an intense H^- beam and high ion beam current for the desired 9 MeV cyclotron. The simulation results provide experimental constraints for optimizing the strength of the plasma and final ion beam current at a target inside a cyclotron.     

Production of Intense Ion Beams of Boron and Iron Using the MIVOC Method from ECR Ion Source on the DC-60 Cyclotron

This article describes experiments carried out in 2017–2018 at the DC-60 accelerator complex (Astana branch of the Institute of Nuclear Physics, Almaty, Kazakhstan) to develop methods for producing intense beams of multicharged iron and boron ions with the use of volatile organometallic compounds (Metal Ions from Volatile Compounds (MIVOC)). Beams of iron and boron ions were obtained for the first time on the DC-60 cyclotron, and the acceleration modes of ⁵⁶Fe¹⁰⁺ and 11B²⁺ ions were optimized to energies of 1.75 and 1.5 MeV/n, respectively.     

Start-Up of the DC-280 Cyclotron,the Basic Facility of the Factory of Superheavy Elements of the Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research

Physics of Particles and Nuclei Letters - The basic facility of the Factory of Superheavy Elements (SHE), the DC-280 cyclotron, in the Flerov Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions at the Joint Institute...     

Obtaining monochromatic beams of radioactive nuclei with energies near the Coulomb barrier on joint institute of nuclear research accelerator complex DRIBs

Two methods for obtaining monochromatic beams of radioactive nuclei with energies near the Coulomb barrier on Joint Institute of Nuclear Research accelerator complex DRIBs are described. In the first method, an MSP-144 magnetic spectrometer was used as the monochromator of low-energy ⁶He beam obtained after passing through an energy degrader. In the second method, a specially developed probe was used for experiments with the internal beam of the DRIBs complex post-accelerator (the U-400 cyclotron).     

Stationary Temperature Distribution in a Rotating Ring-Shaped Target

For a rotating ring-shaped target irradiated by a heavy-ion beam, a differential equation for computing the stationary distribution of the temperature averaged over the cross section is derived. The ion-beam diameter is assumed to be equal to the ring width. Solving this equation allows one to obtain the stationary temperature distribution along the ring-shaped target depending on the ion-beam, target, and cooling-gas parameters. Predictions are obtained for the rotating target to be installed at the DC-280 cyclotron. For an existing rotating target irradiated by an ion beam, our predictions are compared with the measured temperature distribution.     

Beam dynamics in a C253-V3 cyclotron for proton therapy

In recent years, oncologic diseases have become a severe issue in developed countries. Proton therapy is viewed as one of the most efficient methods of treating oncologic diseases. The results of computing the beam dynamics in a C235 medical cyclotron intended for proton therapy are presented. The cyclotron was modified by teams of researchers at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research and Ion Beam Application (IBA Group, Belgium). Possible reasons for losses in the beam under acceleration are considered, and the influence of the magnetic field radial component in the median plane of the accelerator is studied. The results of analysis and upgrading of the beam extraction system are presented. Based on analytical data, the design of the commercial C235 cyclotron is considerably modified. A new version of the C235-V3 cyclotron will be placed in commission at the Dimitrovgrad center of radiation medicine.     

Proposed design of axial injection system for the DC-280 cyclotron

The design of the high-voltage axial injection system for the DC-280 cyclotron that is being constructed at the Flerov Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions (FLNR) at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR) is presented. The injection system will make it possible to efficiently inject ions of elements ranging from helium to uranium with the ratios of their atomic mass to the charge varying from 4 to 7.5.     

不同磁路电子回旋共振离子源引出实验

空间推进所用的电子回旋共振离子源(ECRIS)应具有体积小、效率高的特点. 本文研究的ECRIS使用永磁体环产生磁场, 有效减小了体积, 该离子源利用微波在磁场中加热电子, 电子与中性气体发生电离碰撞产生等离子体. 磁场在微波加热电子的过程中起关键作用, 同时影响离子源内等离子体的约束和输运. 通过比较四种磁路结构离子源的离子电流引出特性来研究磁场对10 cm ECRIS性能的影响. 实验发现: 在使用氩气的条件下, 特定结构的离子源可引出160 mA的离子电流, 最高推进剂利用率达60%, 最小放电损耗为120 W·A^-1; 所有离子源均存在多个工作状态, 工作状态在微波功率、气体流量、引出电压变化时会发生突变. 离子源发生状态突变时的微波功率、气体流量的大小与离子源内磁体的位置有关. 通过比较不同离子源的引出离子束流、放电损耗、气体利用率、工作稳定性的差异, 归纳了磁场结构对此种ECRIS引出特性的影响规律, 分析了其中的机理. 实验结果表明: 保持输入微波功率、气体流量、引出电压不变时, 增大共振区的范围、减小共振区到栅极的距离, 离子源能引出更大的离子电流; 减小共振区到微波功率入口、气体入口的距离能降低维持离子源高状态所需的最小微波功率和最小气体流量, 提高气体利用率, 但会导致放电损耗增大. 研究结果有助于深化对此类离子源工作过程的认识, 为其设计和性能优化提供参考.