A compact multi-sample high-intensity negative ion source

Abstract A high-intensity cesium sputter negative ion source was designed for accelerator mass spectrometry. The source was developed and built in Triumf and is currently being used at the Rehovot pelletron tandem. The source features an internal cesium oven and simplified target insulation. A pneumatically actuated sample changer contains a 28-target wheel but allows manual loading of a single target as well. Negative ion beam currents obtained match or exceed those of ion sources of similar designs; the current remains constant for hours and low memory effects are observed as the targets are cycled.