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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the construction of a large alpha particle generator specifically aimed at producing He++ ions rather than He+ particles. Participants explore various methods and technologies related to alpha particle generation, including both radioactive and non-radioactive sources, as well as the energy requirements for the generated particles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks to build a generator that produces mostly He++ ions, expressing a preference for non-radioactive methods.
  • Another participant notes that most alpha decay sources generate He++ but at a low percentage (1-3%), which may not meet the needs of the original poster.
  • A suggestion is made to use a dipole magnet to filter alpha particles based on their e/M ratio, with reference to existing setups observed at LBL Berkeley.
  • Multiple methods for generating He++ are proposed, including:
    • Stripping electrons from He gas (non-radioactive source).
    • (n, α) reactions using Li-6, which require a neutron source and are radioactive.
    • Alpha decay from various radioactive isotopes (Ra, Rn, Po, and transuranics).
    • (d,t) fusion processes that produce neutrons and alpha particles but are also radioactive.
  • One participant expresses a desire for a continuous wave (CW) beam current above 30 mA at 40 keV, specifically for He++ ions, indicating the need for advanced equipment like an ECR and RFQ.
  • Concerns are raised about the energy requirements, with a participant questioning the suitability of a 40 keV energy level for certain types of linacs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the challenges of producing a high percentage of He++ ions and the need for advanced technology. However, there are multiple competing views regarding the methods of generation, particularly the preference for non-radioactive versus radioactive sources, and the technical specifications required for the desired output.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the feasibility of the proposed methods, particularly the non-radioactive approach, and there are unresolved questions about the energy requirements and the specifics of the linac technology needed.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for researchers and engineers interested in particle physics, nuclear engineering, and the development of particle accelerators, particularly those focused on ion generation and beam transport technologies.

jarreau
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I am looking to source (build) a large alpha particle generator that creates (mostly) He++ and not He+ particles. Thanks.
 
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Most alpha decay sources generate He-++ alpha particles as far as I know.
 
Yes, but the percentage is low 1-3%. I need a very high percent of He++. Thanks.
 
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
 
jarreau said:
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
 
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.
 
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
 

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