Description
The 5 MV tandem accelerator is capable of supplying 10 MeV protons and 15 MeV helium ions as well as higher energies of a variety of partially-stripped heavy (typically metal) ions, principally for research in nuclear energy. It operates six beam lines, three focused on radiation chemistry and three on materials damage. It has two ion beam sources; one for high current proton and alpha beams, with a second source for lower currents of heavier ions.
The 2.5 MV single-ended accelerator (NEC Model 7.5SH) is capable of accelerating ions to energies up to 2.5 MeV for protons, helium ions or heavier gas ions from the accelerator’s RF ion source. It operates two beam lines which are configured to coincide with two beam lines from the existing 5 MV tandem accelerator to provide 2 dual beam irradiation end stations.
The dual beam capability allows researchers to replicate the damage environment experienced by materials in a high radiation field, where the presence of the ion radiation (typically proton or alpha irradiation) can interact with radiation damage mechanism and alter the process. In these experiments the 2.5 MV single-ended accelerator provides a proton or alpha rich radiation field whilst a heavy ion beam from the larger 5 MV tandem accelerator is used to create the radiation damage.
5MV tandem accelerator
- High current TORVIS source for:
- Up to 100μA of 1H+ (up to 10 MeV ions)
- Up to 15μA of 4He2+ (up to 15 MeV ions)
- Low current SNICS source for heavy ions
- Six beam lines allowing flexible experimental setup
- Two target vaults to facilitate parallel working
2.5MV accelerator
High current RF source for:
- Up to 100μA of 1H+ (up to 2.5 MeV ions)
- Up to 50μA of 4He+ (up to 2.5 MeV ions)
- Lower currents of heavier gas elements
- other gas ions (e.g. Kr, Xe) on request.
