Abstract: The present invention relates to an electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) ion source comprising an enclosure (1) containing an electron and ion plasma and a magnetic structure (11) surrounding the enclosure and that produces therein two radial and axial magnetic fields to ensure a confinement in the enclosure. A transition cavity (20) is connected to the enclosure by a first and a second ducts (21, 52) ensuring the transmission of said waves to the enclosure. The first duct is conductive and the second duct, located in the center of the first, is partly conductive and permits the introduction of a preionized gas into the enclosure. The enclosure and the second duct are connected to two power supply sources having the same polarity. The invention has applications in the field of particle accelerators.

Abstract: A device for optimizing a source of ions with electronic cyclotronic resonance (ECR) is provided. The present invention comprises a conventional ECR source to which an apparatus is added for moving the resonance point (C) which appears in the dielectric pipe when the source is in operation. The controlled adjustment of the position of the resonance point (C) ensures an optimal positioning of points A and B of the equimagnetic surface, points (A) and (B) being dependent on point (C). The resonance displacement apparatus comprises, in one embodiment, a magnetic screw threaded onto its periphery so as to form a screw/nut system with the armouring of the ECR source. Particular utility is found in the area of particle accelerator equipment for use in scientific and medical applications, although other utilities are contemplated.

Abstract: Electron cyclotron resonance ion source having an enclosure containing a plasma of ions and electrons formed by electron cyclotron resonance from a sample. The enclosure is connected to a transition cavity by a first conductive duct, and by a second conductive duct traversing the cavity and the first duct. The sample is introduced into the enclosure by the second duct, and the cavity is laterally connected to a vacuum source and to an electromagnetic wave generator by a tight, transparent window.

Abstract: Multicharged ion source with several electron cyclotron resonance zones. The source comprises a sealed enclosure containing a gas for forming a plasma confined in said enclosure, means for producing a high frequency electromagnetic field within the enclosure, means for producing within the enclosure a group of radial and axial, local magnetic fields and defining equimagnetic surfaces permitting the confinement of the plasma on one of these surfaces, the electron cyclotron resonance condition being satisfied, the group having an axis of symmetry, means for extracting the ions through the orifice made in the wall of the enclosure and located on the axis of symmetry and means for reducing, outside the volume occupied by the plasma, the amplitude of the local axial magnetic fields in the vicinity of and slightly upstream of the extraction orifice in n zones located outside the axis, so that new ionizing electron cyclotron resonances appear in these zones.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for regulating an ionic current, particularly a highly charged metal ion current, obtained by vaporizing and then ionizing a solid material in an ultra-high frequency cavity with the aid of a hot electron plasma confined in said cavity. This plasma is produced by ionizing a gas as a result of the combined action of a high frequency electromagnetic field and a magnetic field, whose amplitude is such that the electron cyclotron resonance is satisfied. The device inter alia comprises a pulse generator, whereof the useful cycle is regulated in order to pulse the electromagnetic field and control its mean power, a valve for modifying the gas flow entering the cavity and means for controlling said valve in such a way that the pressure prevailing in the cavity remains constant.

Abstract: Ferromagnetic structure of an ion source produced by permanent magnets and solenoids.In the ferromagnetic structure according to the invention, the system of solenoids is shielded on the outside of the useful volume of the source by a first ferromagnetic casing, the permanent magnets being mounted on the inner walls of a second casing shaped like a cylinder and made from ferromagnetic material, in order to channel the magnetic fluxes outside the useful volume into a ferromagnetic structure, the two casings being separated from one another by a material ensuring an adequate reluctance between the two ferromagnetic circuits.