First results on BNL H- MEQALAC

The MEQALAC (Multiple-Beam Electrostatic Quadrupole Array Linear Accelerator) concept and its first experimental test have been described previously. The test verified that a MEQALAC can transport and accelerate multiple, high brightness beamlets starting at very low initial β(5 x 10-4 in the test). The six-dimensional phase space density per beam, was 3.3 x 1029/m3-rad3. This paper describes initial results of a second MEQALAC test which explored higher frequency operation with smaller bore size. The current density was higher by up to a factor of seven. This MEQALAC was a four beam H- accelerator. Conceivably, it could lead to a replacement for relatively bulky and expensive Cockcroft-Walton pre-injectors