Spectroscopic characterization of LEVIS active ion source on PBFA II

The laser-initiated LEVIS source is intended to provide an active source in the PBFA II ion diode by generation of a preformed lithium anode plasma. Visible spectra recorded with a streaked spectrograph are used to help evaluate the source performance. The absence of Stark shifting of the Li I 2p-3d and 2s-2p light confirms that a plasma is created over the anode surface. At lower LEVIS laser intensities this plasma erodes back toward the anode as the ion beam current grows. Considerable improvements in anode plasma purity have been noted when the anode is heated for several hours. The LEVIS source microdivergence estimated from the carbon ion transverse energy is less than 14 mrad, meeting the near term requirements for PBFA II target experiments.