Bunching in time at the ATLAS [Argonne Tandem-Linac Accelerator System] accelerator

The ability to manipulate the energy spread and time width of the beam from the ATLAS linac is an important feature used by the experimental program at Argonne. The time resolution which can be obtained on target has been shown to be less than 150 ps. for all beams through 58Ni. The fundamental ideas which apply to the bunching of heavy ion beams are described and the limitations and capabilities of the bunching system are discussed. A sequential guide for obtaining good timing on target is included