Construction of the Louvain-la-Neuve 30 MeV 500 μA H- cyclotron

The prototype of a new design of a 30 MeV H- cyclotron for isotope production is in construction in Louvain-la-Neuve (Belgium). The original magnet design combines the advantages of compact and separated sector cyclotrons and requires less than 7 kW of electrical power. The ions are produced in an external multicusp ion source biased at 30 kV, and injected axially. The two 300 dees, supported on half-wavelength vertical resonators are connected at the center. The rf frequency is 65 MHz, and the power for 50 kV dee voltage is 5 kW for one cavity. The cyclotron operation will be fully automatic, using a high-level programmable controller. The magnetic field shimming is completed. Vacuum and rf tests are underway. The first beams are expected at the end of 1986. (orig.)