Mass-independent search for fractionally charged particles

A proposed mass-independent search for fractionally charged particles with the all-electrostatic line of the IsoTRACE Laboratory at University of Toronto is described. Sensitive measurement of the fractional charge is accomplished by (1) a judicious choice of ion source and ion species, (2) charge changing and electrostatic analysis before injection into the tandem accelerator, (3) molecular destruction, charge changing, and acceleration by the tandem, (4) charge state selection and E/q analysis after acceleration, and (5) particle energy measurement with a Si surface barrier detector. In addition, the mass of the fractionally charged particles can be determined by a time of flight spectrometer. Specific cases involving +- (1/3)e and +- (2/3)e particles are discussed. Also included in the discussion are: integral charge background rejection, the procedure of the search, the signature of the fractionally charged particles, he resolutions of the analyzers and detectors, and the expected energy and time of flight spectra