High Voltage Operation of Helical Pulseline Structures for Ion Acceleration

To accelerate ions using a helical pulseline requires the launching of a high voltage traveling wave with a waveform determined by the beam transport physics in order to maintain stability and acceleration. This waveform is applied to the front of the helix, creating a steep voltage ramp that moves down the helix, accelerating ions over distances much longer than the ramp length. An oil dielectric helix to demonstrate ion acceleration has been designed and fabricated. Helix design parameters, high voltage issues, input coupling methods, termination methods, and pulsers are described. Waveforms from the initial characterization of the oil dielectric helix are also described.