A New Broadband Microwave Frequency Device for Powering ECR Ion Sources

Broadband rf injection offers a low-cost and effective method for increasing the physical sizes of ECR zones within ECR ion sources. Broadband radiation can also be used to ameliorate diamagnetic frequency detune effects that are believed to be problematical in single-frequency plateau ECR sources. An additive white Gaussian noise generator (AWGNG) system for injecting broadband rf power into these sources has been developed in conjunction with a commercial firm. The noise generator, in combination with an external local oscillator and a traveling wave tube amplifier (TWTA), can be used to generate broadband microwave power for ECR ion sources without requirements of modifying the injection system of these sources. The AWGNG and its initial use for powering the all permanent magnet, ORNL plateau ECR ion source will be described in this document.