Francium ion source with novel methods of target heating and beam characterization

Abstract

We have developed a novel ion source and beam diagnostic system for the production and detection of radioactive francium (Fr) isotopes. The Fr ions are produced using a fusion–evaporation reaction at the RIKEN Nishina Center, Japan. The installation of an infrared heater has enabled a precise and rapid control of the target temperature, and the newly developed diagnostic system allows for a quantitative characterization of the extracted ion beam. With the new system, an analysis of the Fr208−211 isotopes has been performed. Additionally, the flux of Fr210 ions has been estimated as 6.7 × 106 s−1 corresponding to an extraction efficiency of 24.5% and a beam purity of 1.6 × 10−5.