KBSI-Korea University "Successful Extraction of High-Current Ion Beam from Heavy Ion Accelerator"

Heavy Ion Accelerator Ion Source System. Photo by KBSI

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] The Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI) announced on the 3rd that it has succeeded in extracting a high-current ion beam from the ion source of a heavy ion accelerator through joint research with Korea University.

Accordingly, the utilization of the ion beam from the heavy ion accelerator installed at the Accelerator Research Center of Korea University Sejong Campus has begun, and it is expected to be used in various research fields such as semiconductor and battery material development.

The research team newly established high-frequency, cooling, vacuum, beam diagnosis, and control systems for the 14GHz ECR (Electron Cyclotron Resonance) ion source of the heavy ion accelerator, and through beam performance improvement research, secured the 14GHz ECR ion source that extracts the highest heavy ion beam current in Korea. Electron Cyclotron Resonance refers to electrons located in a uniform magnetic field moving in uniform circular motion perpendicular to the magnetic field. When electromagnetic waves with the same frequency as the rotation frequency of electrons undergoing cyclotron motion are irradiated, resonance occurs and energy is absorbed. Using this principle, ion beams of various oxidation states are generated.

The ion beam generated through the 14GHz ECR ion source is accelerated by the acceleration facility and gains high energy, enabling radioactive isotope mass analysis at a fine level. The various types of extracted ion beams are utilized in material property research, semiconductors, solar cells, and other diverse studies.

The research team stated, "In the future, it will be used for talent cultivation and research related to accelerators, opening a breakthrough in accelerator science and technology that allows in-depth study of the fundamentals of materials,” adding, “As the application fields of accelerator technology are gradually expanding, we will open and support the facility to be actively used for beam utilization research by domestic universities, industries, and research institutes.”