An electron-beam-generated-plasma ion source for on-line isotope separation

A novel ion source based on an electron-beam-generated plasma is described. It features high efficiency and high temperature operation (proportional3000 K). It does not incorporate magnetic fields and delivers beam of high quality suitable for mass spectrometry. No support gas per se is required. The plasma theoretical principle of the source is investigated and ionization efficiencies, delay times, charge carrier densities, pressure limits, current densities etc. are calculated. These calculations are compared with experiments and computer simulations. (orig.)