Offline source of metal ions produced by ultraviolet light emitting diodes

2019 Fiscal Year Research-status Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K03899
• Research Institution: High Energy Accelerator Research Organization
• Principal Investigator: SCHURY P.H 大学共同利用機関法人高エネルギー加速器研究機構, 素粒子原子核研究所, 助教 (30462724)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: Ion source / Deep UV LED

Outline of Annual Research Achievements

The legacy vacuum chamber to be used in the first stage test of ionization has been successfully modified to our purposes. The frames to support the LEDs have been designed and prototypes have been fabricated using 3D printer techniques. These may eventually be replaced be PEEK structures. The electronics for control of in-vacuo components have been built and we are ready to begin tests once coronavirus emergency order is lifted. Ultraviolet LEDs have been purchased an sufficient quantities are now on hand for initial testing to begin. The control circuitry for the LEDs has been prototyped and initial testing shows the control circuitry to be effective without overheating the LEDs. This prototype work was accomplished during remote work requirements and still needs to be tested under vacuum conditions once laboratory lockout is lifted. The various ion source materials (mainly wires of Pt, Re, W, etc) were purchased and have arrived, but have not yet tested resistive heating in the vacuum chamber.

Current Status of Research Progress

3: Progress in research has been slightly delayed.

Reason

A busy online machine time schedule at delayed start of the project, which was then impacted by global pandemic. Some parts were delayed due to Chinese coronavirus lockdown. Ability to work on the project has been minimal in past 6 weeks due to local restrictions put in place to combat coronavirus. However, enough materials are in place to begin actual tests once laboratory lockout is lifted.

Strategy for Future Research Activity

Once work can begin again, we will install LED frames in vacuum chamber and test if they can increase yield of Cs+ from thermal ion source. Once this initial validation is accomplished, we will install tungsten wire and attempt to observe ionization. Optimistically, it is anticipated that first ions should be observed by late August, assuming emergency order is lifted before end of June.

Causes of Carryover

This is a deminimus amount which was left after purchasing LEDs, ion source materials, and needed electronics for driving the LEDs and other needed control circuitry. No justifiable expenditure for this amount was foreseen at the end of the budgetary year.