Charge state breeders: On-line results

The transformation of radioactive ions from 1+ to n+ in the low-energy stage of a post-accelerator - also called charge breeding, has become a mature technique. Several machines using the method are in operation or under construction. This paper will present and evaluate on-line and off-line results from two different breeder types, the EBIS and the ECRIS-based systems. Notable on-line results, in terms of versatility, efficiency and beam purity among other things, have been achieved with the trap-EBIS charge breeding system for REX-ISOLDE, a post-accelerator operational since 2001. These will be compared with breeding results of stable and radioactive beams obtained with ECRIS at a number of facilities using or developing ECRIS breeders. Finally an outlook will be given of the predicted evolution of the charge breeders and how they can meet the requirements of future radioactive beam facilities.