Operation of the LAMPF 750-keV Injector

The high-intensity proton injector system of LAMPF has been in operation since June 1970. The injector system consists of a 750-keV Cockcroft-Walton (C-W) high-voltage generator, a duoplasmatron ion source, a Pierce geometry accelerating column, and a 45-ft long beam-transport system. After a preliminary period of initial testing, this injector was used to supply proton beams for beam tests on the first tank of the drift-tube linac of LAMPF. At the conclusion of these tests, more detailed studies of the operation of the various parts of the injector were resumed. The operational experience during the linac beam tests and the results obtained in the subsequent tests are presented. The system has met the design goals and in general has performed well. The emphasis of this paper, however, will be on the problems that have arisen and the work now in progress to improve the system.