Orbit dynamics in isochronous cyclotrons

Acceleration of heavy ions in an isochronous cyclotron can lead to a ν/sub r/-value near unity for many turns. In ORIC, several departures from 3-fold symmetry unfortunately exist, so that a complex resonant behavior may lead to beam loss. To study these questions, a program has been initiated with the aim of devising and using very efficient algorithms for calculating the motion of ions during acceleration. The eikonal function was chosen as the basis for these studies, with methods and some results here described