Applications of ion channeling in accelerator mass spectrometry

Abstract Three applications based on the passage of channeled ions through a crystalline membrane are proposed for the accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) technology. (i) A channeling degrader for the separation of isobars suppresses the angular straggling even if a sufficient energy difference is created between the AMS nuclide and its isobars using a relatively thick membrane. A proof-of-principle experiment showed its potential comparative advantage. Feasibility will be discussed for two other potential applications; the experimental demonstrations are under consideration. (ii) A channeling stripper simultaneously provides a sufficient stripping function to remove interfering molecules in the AMS and low gas pressure to prevent ion scattering. This helps in overcoming a crucial problem in the development of an (A)MS systems in the range of 50 keV. Surface channeling by grazing incidence onto a stack of mono-crystalline substrates is introduced to address the high particle load. (iii) A novel isobar separation technique, using resonant coherent excitation based on periodical field induced by ions passing through the lattice, assists in controlling the charge state of the AMS nuclide and its isobars directly. For practical use, the thickness of the crystalline membrane should be reduced to satisfy the charge state distribution in the non-equilibrium states.