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NOSAMS > Developments > Collaborative Efforts to Improve NEC Ion Source

Collaborative Efforts to Improve NEC Ion Source

A collaborative research effort involving National Electrostatics Corp. (NEC) and three AMS laboratories (UC Irvine, University of Arizona, WHOI/NOSAMS) is underway to improve the design of Cs-sputter ion sources manufactured by NEC and currently in use at each of these labs. The NSF-sponsored collaboration is supported for the two-year period beginning in August, 2003.


Main goals of this work are:

  • modify source for increased output
  • improve measurement precision and reliability
  • reduce instrument downtime associated with ion source maintenance

UC Irvine is concentrating on changes to the Cs feed and to the negative ion geometries aimed at increasing output and improving reliability. NOSAMS will investigate active pumping of the source and other vacuum improvements for increased output, and will redesign the extraction region for improved reliability. Arizona will implement improved internal mounting arrangements and alignment procedures leading to reduced servicing downtime.