Space charge dominated beam dynamics in 1 MeV compact proton cyclotron

Compact high current cyclotrons to accelerate proton beams are still considered as favorable source for many applications such as isotope production, injector for high intensity cyclotron for ADSS etc. Data shows that existing commercial compact machines are limited to beam current below 1 m.A, With proper design and improved understanding of how to control the high intensity beam at low energy, it is possible to increase this current and accelerate beam of several mA's with minimum losses. The development of 1 MeV, 5 mA compact proton cyclotron at VECC is an R and D effort with the main aim to study and settle various technological and beam dynamics related problems during injection and acceleration of high intensity beams. The evolution of space charge dominated beam in a cyclotron is very complex due to the coupling between the transverse and longitudinal motions. For optimum performance, the input phase ellipses of the injected beam must be matched to the acceptance of the central region. The envelope mismatch is the major cause of emittance growth and halo formation. Thus it is important to study the evolution of space charge dominated beam during transport and acceleration in the cyclotron focusing channel to avoid beam loss