An optimization study for the RHIC polarized jet target

A study to determine the optimum magnet system for a polarized atomic hydrogen jet target is described. The design uses an atomic beam source with Ne–Fe–B permanent sextupole magnets to focus the beam and high frequency hyperfine transitions to produce nuclear polarization. A simulation model was developed and a new optimization technique was applied to the model. The study resulted in a magnet system predicted to generate an intensity of 9 × 10 16 atoms / s and a record polarized jet-target thickness of 9.5 × 10 11 atoms / cm 2 . The source design was subsequently used for construction of the RHIC polarized hydrogen jet target. The design of a polarimeter to determine the atomic polarization of the jet is also described.