How can I build a large alpha particle generator for He++ production?

[jarreau]

I am looking to source (build) a large alpha particle generator that creates (mostly) He⁺⁺ and not He⁺ particles. Thanks.

 

[vanesch]

Most alpha decay sources generate He-++ alpha particles as far as I know.

 

[jarreau]

Yes, but the percentage is low 1-3%. I need a very high percent of He⁺⁺. Thanks.

 

[Bob S]

What energy alphas do you need? 10 eV or 5 MeV? Bend the alpha particles through a dipole magnet, and keep only those with the highest e/M ratio. I saw some desktop/portable setups like this with radioactive alpha emitters and electro magnets at LBL Berkeley a few years ago.
Bob S

 

[Astronuc]

I am looking to source (build) a large alpha particle generator that creates (mostly) He⁺⁺ and not He⁺ particles. Thanks.

There are four possibilities:

1) Simply take He gas and strip the atom of 2 electrons to accelerate alpha particles to the desired energy. That's a non-radioactive source.

2) (n, α) Li-6 which requires a neutron source and is radioactive

3) alpha decay of various Ra, Rn, Po isotopes and transuranics, but is radioactive
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/nuclear/radser.html

4) (d,t) fusion -> (n, α), but that produces a 14.1 MeV neutron, and a 3.5 MeV alpha, but is radioactive

 

[jarreau]

Thanks for the answers

Astronuc, How do I do 1? 2,3,4 are radioactive, so they are not preferred.

Bob S, Would like the total extracted CW beam current to be above 30 mA, extracted through a 6 mm diameter aperture at 40 keV or more, all or mostly He⁺⁺. It will go through a linac from there.

Thanks for the answers.

 

[Bob S]

You are talking about a serious alpha particle source (30 milliamps cw at 40 KeV = 1.2 kW of alphas). You will probably need an ECR (electron cyclotron source), a LEBT (low energy beam transport) with a magnetic bend (momentum filter), probably followed by a RFQ (RF quadrupole accelerator) before a linac. 40 KeV is too low a velocity for a standing wave (DTL or drift tube) linac. What frequency is your DTL?
Bob S