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The NEC RF-charge exchange ion source (Alphatross) was designed primarily for the production of He- beams for injection into tandem accelerators. Its use has been expanded to include H-, NH- and O- beams. The source design was patterned after the RF-charge exchange ion source built and in regular use by Professor H.T. Richards at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, Department of Physics. The design has been continuously improved since its introduction on the S-Series tandem Pelletrons® in 1979. There are now more than one hundred NEC RF-charge exchange ion sources in use on tandem accelerators worldwide.
The S-Series tandem Pelletron accelerators have a rugged, voltage conservative design and incorporate all metal and ceramic high gradient acceleration tubes.
The model 3SDH Pelletron is a 1 MV horizontal, tandem electrostatic accelerator designed to produce very stable beams of helium ions or protons. The light ion S-Series tandems are very voltage conservative. Lead shielding is incorporated directly on the pres-sure vessel to allow ease of access during most operational modes.
All of the parameters needed for routine operation of the IBA accelerator system are available at a single control console (at left). Accelerator parameters are interfaced to a local controller which is connected to the next station in line or to the microcomputer by fiber optic link. A comprehensive interlock system is provided to protect both personnel and equipment. The Pelletron is protected against overheating, insufficient tank pressure, power failure and vacuum failure. The system is designed for true unattended operation. The vacuum system is monitored by the computer control system; however, it is fully interlocked via hardwire.