Feasibility studies for an ECR-generated plasma stripper: Preliminary

Computational studies of the principal electron capture and loss processes which take place during interactions between a multi-electron projectile and a target in various degrees of ionization have been initiated. These studies are designed to determine the feasibility of a plasma stripper as a possible alternative to the gaseous and foil strippers which are commonly used to enhance the charge states of energetic ion beams. The idea is based on the knowledge that (1) the stopping powers (energy loss per unit path length) are greater for a plasma than a gaseous stripper at equivalent line densities, and (2) the number of electron channels available for capture by the projectile are reduced when the target is highly ionized. Preliminary results of attempts to evaluate the merits of a plasma for this application are given in this report