EP0142414B1 - Ion source, in particular for highly charged metallic ions, whose ion current is controlled - Google Patents

Ion source, in particular for highly charged metallic ions, whose ion current is controlled Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0142414B1
EP0142414B1 EP84402080A EP84402080A EP0142414B1 EP 0142414 B1 EP0142414 B1 EP 0142414B1 EP 84402080 A EP84402080 A EP 84402080A EP 84402080 A EP84402080 A EP 84402080A EP 0142414 B1 EP0142414 B1 EP 0142414B1
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EP
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Prior art keywords
cavity
ion source
controlling
source according
intensity
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EP84402080A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0142414A2 (en
EP0142414A3 (en
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Bernard Jacquot
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Commissariat a lEnergie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives CEA
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Commissariat a lEnergie Atomique CEA
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J27/00—Ion beam tubes
    • H01J27/02—Ion sources; Ion guns
    • H01J27/16—Ion sources; Ion guns using high-frequency excitation, e.g. microwave excitation
    • H01J27/18—Ion sources; Ion guns using high-frequency excitation, e.g. microwave excitation with an applied axial magnetic field

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  • the subject of the present invention is a source of highly charged ions, especially metallic ions, the ion current of which is regulated.
  • This highly charged ion current is used in particular for the measurement of physical constants and especially intended to equip particle accelerators, used both in the scientific and medical fields.
  • One of the methods used to obtain a stream of highly charged, or multicharged, ions is to evaporate a solid material, for example a metal sample placed in a microwave cavity, and to ionize the vapors produced.
  • the vaporization and then the ionization of the material are obtained by interaction of a hot electron plasma, confined in said enclosure, with said material.
  • This electron plasma is formed by ionizing a gas, injected into the cavity, thanks to the combined action of a high frequency electromagnetic field, established in said cavity, and a magnetic field prevailing inside this same cavity.
  • the object of the present invention is precisely an ion source producing a regulated ion current making it possible to solve this problem.
  • this source comprises means for pulsing - the electromagnetic field, injected into the cavity, and for controlling the average power of this electromagnetic field, these means being constituted by a high frequency pulse generator, whose useful cycle is adjusted, that is to say the ratio t / T, t being the duration of a pulse and T the period of the pulses, a valve used to modify the flow of gas introduced into the cavity, means for slaving said valve so that the pressure in the cavity remains constant, and means for slowly moving, in the cavity, the solid material so that it intercepts the electron plasma as well as possible.
  • the pulse generator is controlled so that the intensity of the ion current remains constant.
  • control means preferably comprise means for measuring the intensity of the ion current, connected to a microprocessor.
  • the means for controlling the valve consist of pressure measurement means, connected to a microprocessor.
  • the displacement means are controlled so that the intensity of the ion current is constant.
  • control means preferably consist of means for measuring the intensity of the ion current, connected to a microprocessor.
  • the gas introduced into the cavity consists of argon, nitrogen or oxygen.
  • This type of gas is particularly suitable for obtaining metal ions from the vaporization of refractory metals such as tungsten, tantalum, molybdenum, zirconium, etc.
  • This device comprises a containment vacuum enclosure 2 which constitutes a resonant cavity which can be excited by a microwave electromagnetic field, which is according to the invention pulsed.
  • This electromagnetic field produced by a source 3, such as a klystron, is introduced into the cavity by means of a waveguide 4, of circular or rectangular section.
  • This source 3 is supplied with current by a power source 6.
  • a pipe 8 makes it possible to introduce a gas into the microwave cavity 2 such as argon, nitrogen or oxygen.
  • Means shown diagrammatically in phantom and bearing the reference 10, make it possible to create a magnetic field prevailing inside the cavity 2.
  • This magnetic field has an amplitude which satisfies the condition of resonance cy electronic clotronic, condition explained above.
  • reference may be made to French patent application no. 2,475,798 filed on February 13, 1980 by the applicant and entitled “Process and device for the production of highly charged heavy ions and an application implementing the process ".
  • the association of the electromagnetic field and the magnetic field makes it possible to strongly ionize the gas introduced into the cavity 2.
  • the electrons produced are then strongly accelerated by electronic cyclotron resonance, which leads to the formation of a hot plasma of electrons, confined in the cavity.
  • the confinement space of the electron plasma is represented by a hatched ellipse bearing the reference 11.
  • a sample 12 is arranged from which the ion current will be formed.
  • This sample fixed on a support 14, is in particular a metal sample such as, for example, tungsten, tantalum, molybdenum, zirconium, etc.
  • This sample is subjected to the action of hot electron plasma 11, which makes it possible to vaporize it, then to ionize the vapors produced.
  • the metal ions formed are then extracted from the cavity 2, for example by means of electrodes 16 between which a negative potential difference is created using a power source 17.
  • the ions from the cavity (arrow F ) can then be analyzed, for example selected according to their degree of ionization, using any known means, shown diagrammatically in 18, using an electric field and / or a magnetic field.
  • This device comprises a motor 20, connected by means of a rod 22, to the support 14 of the sample 12 making it possible to slowly move the latter, so that it best intercepts the electron plasma 11. More l sample 12 enters the interior of cavity 2, the higher its temperature and therefore its vaporization rate.
  • the vaporization rate and therefore the ionization rate of the vapors, especially metallic depend on the average power of the pulsed electromagnetic field injected into the cavity 2 and this for a given depth of penetration of the sample into the electron plasma.
  • the average power of the pulsed electromagnetic field injected into the cavity 2 and this for a given depth of penetration of the sample into the electron plasma.
  • an electromagnetic field having a power at least equal to 300 watts .
  • Control of the average power of the electromagnetic field is obtained by pulsating the electromagnetic field.
  • This pulsed field can be obtained using a pulse generator 24, the useful cycle of which is adjusted, that is to say the ratio t / T, t being the duration of a pulse and T la period of the pulses, this generator controlling the electrical power source 6 supplying the electromagnetic wave source 3.
  • the plasma electrons acquire the energy necessary to vaporize the sample 12 then ionize the vapors produced upon application of the microwave electromagnetic field and lose this energy almost immediately after the disappearance of said field.
  • the hot electron plasma is obtained firstly by ionization of a gas, in particular argon, nitrogen or oxygen, introduced into the cavity 2 by a pipe 8
  • a gas in particular argon, nitrogen or oxygen
  • the gas supply line 8 is equipped with a valve 26 used to modulate the flow of gas introduced into the cavity.
  • a device 28 for measuring the total pressure prevailing in the cavity 2 such as a pressure gauge, makes it possible, by means of an appropriate device, to ensure the operation of the valve 26 so that the total pressure prevailing in the cavity remains constant.
  • This suitable device can be constituted, as shown in FIG. 1, by a device 30, connected to a reference voltage R, making it possible to compare the voltage supplied by the measuring device 28 and the reference voltage R and to supply a signal control valve 26, signal which corresponds to the voltage difference between the voltage supplied by the measuring device 28 and the reference voltage R.
  • This suitable device can also be constituted, as shown in FIG. 2, by a microprocessor 32 controlling the opening or closing of the valve 26 according to the voltage supplied by the measuring device 28.
  • the microprocessor is for example that marketed under the reference 6800 from MOTOROLA.
  • the starting of the motor 20, serving to move the sample 12, and that of the pulse generator 24, serving to generate the pulsed electromagnetic field can be carried out manually as shown in FIG. 1 or else automatically as shown in FIG. 2.
  • a device 34 for measuring the intensity of the ion current leaving the cavity 2, such as a Faraday cage, must be provided.
  • the signal supplied by the device 34 is entered into the microprocessor 32 controlling the starting or stopping on the one hand of the motor 20 and, on the other hand, of the pulse generator 24.
  • the drive motor 20 and the pulse generator 24 controlled by the intensity of the ion current as well as the valve 26 controlled so that the total pressure prevailing in the enclosure is constant, constitute, according to the invention, the device making it possible to obtain a current of ions, especially metallic, of constant intensity.

Description

La présente invention a pour objet une source d'ions, notamment métalliques, fortement chargés dont le courant d'ions est régulé. Ce courant d'ions fortement chargés est notamment utilisé pour la mesure de constantes physiques et surtout destiné à équiper les accélérateurs de particules, utilisés aussi bien dans le domaine scientifique que médical.The subject of the present invention is a source of highly charged ions, especially metallic ions, the ion current of which is regulated. This highly charged ion current is used in particular for the measurement of physical constants and especially intended to equip particle accelerators, used both in the scientific and medical fields.

L'un des procédés utilisé pour obtenir un courant d'ions fortement chargés, ou multichargés, consiste à évaporer un matériau solide, par exemple un échantillon de métal placé dans une cavité hyperfréquence, et à ionisier les vapeurs produites.One of the methods used to obtain a stream of highly charged, or multicharged, ions is to evaporate a solid material, for example a metal sample placed in a microwave cavity, and to ionize the vapors produced.

La vaporisation, puis l'ionisation du matériau sont obtenues par interaction d'un plasma chaud d'électrons, confiné dans ladite enceinte, avec ledit matériau. Ce plasma d'électrons est formé en ionisant un gaz, injecté dans la cavité, grâce à l'action conjuguée d'un champ électromagnétique de haute fréquence, établi dans ladite cavité, et d'un champ magnétique régnant à l'intérieur de cette même cavité. Le champ magnétique présente une amplitude B satisfaisant à la condition de résonance cyclotronique électronique: B = f · 2nm, où m est la masse de l'électron, e sa e charge et f la fréquence du champ électromagnétique. Cette résonance permet d'accélérer fortement les électrons créés, tout d'abord à partir du gaz, puis à partir de la vaporisation du matériau.The vaporization and then the ionization of the material are obtained by interaction of a hot electron plasma, confined in said enclosure, with said material. This electron plasma is formed by ionizing a gas, injected into the cavity, thanks to the combined action of a high frequency electromagnetic field, established in said cavity, and a magnetic field prevailing inside this same cavity. The magnetic field has an amplitude B satisfying the condition of electronic cyclotron resonance: B = f · 2nm, where m is the mass of the electron, e its e charge and f the frequency of the electromagnetic field. This resonance makes it possible to strongly accelerate the electrons created, first from the gas, then from the vaporization of the material.

Ce procédé de vaporisation a été décrit dans une demande de brevet n° 2 512 623 déposée le 10 septembre 1981 par le demandeur et intitulée «Procédé de fusion et/ou d'évaporation pulsée d'un matériau solide». Les ions métalliques créés peuvent ensuite être extraits de la cavité pour former un faisceau d'ions.This vaporization process has been described in a patent application No. 2,512,623 filed on September 10, 1981 by the applicant and entitled "Process of pulsed fusion and / or evaporation of a solid material". The metal ions created can then be extracted from the cavity to form an ion beam.

Dans un tel procédé de production d'un courant d'ions multichargés, l'un des problèmes importants réside dans la régulation du courant d'ions, c'est-à-dire dans l'obtention d'un courant d'ions d'intensité constante. Ceci est très important notamment pour l'utilisation de ces courants d'ions dans les accélérateurs de particules.In such a method of producing a multicharged ion current, one of the important problems resides in the regulation of the ion current, that is to say in obtaining an ion current d constant intensity. This is very important in particular for the use of these ion currents in particle accelerators.

La présente invention a justement pour objet une source d'ions produisant un courant d'ions régulé permettant de résoudre ce problème.The object of the present invention is precisely an ion source producing a regulated ion current making it possible to solve this problem.

De façon plus précise, l'invention a trait à une source d'ions, notamment métalliques, fortement chargés, obtenu selon le procédé d'évaporation décrit précédemment. Selon une des caractéristiques de l'invention, cette source comprend des moyens pour pulser - le champ électromagnétique, injecté dan la cavité, et pour contrôler la puissance moyenne de ce champ électromagnétique, ces moyens étant constitués par un générateur d'impulsions haute fréquence, dont on règle le cycle utile, c'est-à-dire le rapport t/T, t étant la durée d'une impulsion et T la période des impulsions, une vanne servant à modifier le flux de gaz introduit dans la cavité, des moyens permettant d'asservir ladite vanne de façon que la pression régnant dans la cavité reste constante, et des moyens permettant de déplacer lentement, dans la cavité, le matériau solide de façon que celui-ci intercepte au mieux le plasma d'électrons.More specifically, the invention relates to a source of ions, especially metallic, highly charged, obtained according to the evaporation process described above. According to one of the characteristics of the invention, this source comprises means for pulsing - the electromagnetic field, injected into the cavity, and for controlling the average power of this electromagnetic field, these means being constituted by a high frequency pulse generator, whose useful cycle is adjusted, that is to say the ratio t / T, t being the duration of a pulse and T the period of the pulses, a valve used to modify the flow of gas introduced into the cavity, means for slaving said valve so that the pressure in the cavity remains constant, and means for slowly moving, in the cavity, the solid material so that it intercepts the electron plasma as well as possible.

Dans un mode préféré de réalisation de la source d'ions de l'invention, le générateur d'impulsions est asservi de façon que l'intensité du courant d'ions reste constante. Ces moyens d'asservissement comprennent de préférence des moyens de mesure de l'intensité du courant d'ions, connectés à un microprocesseur.In a preferred embodiment of the ion source of the invention, the pulse generator is controlled so that the intensity of the ion current remains constant. These control means preferably comprise means for measuring the intensity of the ion current, connected to a microprocessor.

Dans un mode préféré de réalisation de la source de l'invention, les moyens pour asservir la vanne sont constitués de moyens de mesure de la pression, connectés à un microprocesseur.In a preferred embodiment of the source of the invention, the means for controlling the valve consist of pressure measurement means, connected to a microprocessor.

Dans un mode préféré de réalisation de la source de l'invention, les moyens de déplacement sont asservis pour que l'intensité du courant d'ions soit constante. Ces moyens d'asservissement sont de préférence constitués de moyens de mesure de l'intensité du courant d'ions, connectés à un microprocesseur.In a preferred embodiment of the source of the invention, the displacement means are controlled so that the intensity of the ion current is constant. These control means preferably consist of means for measuring the intensity of the ion current, connected to a microprocessor.

De façon avantageuse, le gaz introduit dans la cavité est constitué par de l'argon, de l'azote ou de l'oxygène. Ce type de gaz convient particulièrement bien à l'obtention d'ions métalliques provenant de la vaporisation de métaux réfractaires tels que le tungstène, le tantale, le molybdène, le zirconium, etc...Advantageously, the gas introduced into the cavity consists of argon, nitrogen or oxygen. This type of gas is particularly suitable for obtaining metal ions from the vaporization of refractory metals such as tungsten, tantalum, molybdenum, zirconium, etc.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention ressortiront mieux de la description qui va suivre, donnée à titre explicatif et nullement limitatif, en référence aux figures annexées, dans lesquelles:

  • - la figure 1 représente, schématiquement, selon une première variante, une source d'ions comportant un dispositif de régulation manuelle du courant d'ions obtenus selon le procédé de vaporisation d'un matériau, et
  • - la figure 2 représente, schématiquement, selon une deuxième variante, une source d'ions comportant un dispositif de régulation automatique d'un courant d'ions obtenus selon le procédé de vaporisation d'un matériau.
Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly from the description which follows, given by way of explanation and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended figures, in which:
  • FIG. 1 represents, diagrammatically, according to a first variant, an ion source comprising a device for manual regulation of the ion current obtained according to the process of vaporization of a material, and
  • - Figure 2 shows schematically, according to a second variant, an ion source comprising an automatic regulation device of an ion current obtained by the vaporization process of a material.

En se référant aux figures 1 et 2, on va tout d'abord décrire la source d'ions, c'est-à-dire l'appareil permettant de produire le courant d'ions fortement chargés.Referring to Figures 1 and 2, we will first describe the ion source, that is to say the device for producing the highly charged ion current.

Cet appareil comprend une enceinte à vide de confinement 2 qui constitue une cavité résonante pouvant être excitée par un champ électromagnétique hyperfréquence, qui est selon l'invention pulsé. Ce champ électromagnétique, produit par une source 3, tel qu'un klystron, est introduit dans la cavité au moyen d'un guide d'ondes 4, à section circulaire ou rectangulaire. Cette source 3 est alimentée en courant par une source d'alimentation 6. Une conduite 8 permet d'introduire un gaz dans la cavité hyperfréquence 2 tel que de l'argon, de l'azote ou de l'oxygène.This device comprises a containment vacuum enclosure 2 which constitutes a resonant cavity which can be excited by a microwave electromagnetic field, which is according to the invention pulsed. This electromagnetic field, produced by a source 3, such as a klystron, is introduced into the cavity by means of a waveguide 4, of circular or rectangular section. This source 3 is supplied with current by a power source 6. A pipe 8 makes it possible to introduce a gas into the microwave cavity 2 such as argon, nitrogen or oxygen.

Des moyens, schématisés en traits mixtes et portant la référence 10, permettent de créer un champ magnétique régnant à l'intérieur de la cavité 2. Ce champ magnétique présente une amplitude qui satisfait à la condition de résonance cyclotronique électronique, condition explicitée précédemment. Comme moyen permettant de produire un tel champ magnétique, on peut se référer à la demande de brevet français n° 2 475 798 déposée le 13 février 1980 par le demandeur et intitulée «Procédé et dispositif de production d'ions lourds fortement chargés et une application mettant en oeuvre le procédé».Means, shown diagrammatically in phantom and bearing the reference 10, make it possible to create a magnetic field prevailing inside the cavity 2. This magnetic field has an amplitude which satisfies the condition of resonance cy electronic clotronic, condition explained above. As a means of producing such a magnetic field, reference may be made to French patent application no. 2,475,798 filed on February 13, 1980 by the applicant and entitled "Process and device for the production of highly charged heavy ions and an application implementing the process ".

L'association du champ électromagnétique et du champ magnétique permet d'ioniser fortement le gaz introduit dans le cavité 2. Les électrons produits sont alors fortement accélérés par résonance cyclotronique électronique, ce qui conduit à la formation d'un plasma chaud d'électrons, confiné dans la cavité. L'espace de confinement du plasma d'électrons est représenté par une ellipse hachurée portant la référence 11.The association of the electromagnetic field and the magnetic field makes it possible to strongly ionize the gas introduced into the cavity 2. The electrons produced are then strongly accelerated by electronic cyclotron resonance, which leads to the formation of a hot plasma of electrons, confined in the cavity. The confinement space of the electron plasma is represented by a hatched ellipse bearing the reference 11.

Dans la cavité 2, est disposé un échantillon 12 à partir duquel sera formé le courant d'ions. Cet échantillon, fixé sur un support 14, est notamment un échantillon de métal comme par exemple de tungstène, de tantale, de molybdène, de zirconium, etc... Cet échantillon est soumis à l'action du plasma chaud d'électrons 11, ce qui permet de la vaporiser, puis d'ioniser les vapeurs produites. Les ions métalliques formés sont ensuite extraits de la cavité 2 par exemple au moyen d'électrodes 16 entre lesquelles est créée une différence de potentiel négative à l'aide d'une source d'alimentation 17. Les ions issus de la cavité (flèche F) peuvent ensuite être analysés, par exemple sélectionnés suivant leur degré d'ionisation, à l'aide de tout moyen connu, schématisé en 18, utilisant un champ électrique et/ou un champ magnétique.In the cavity 2, a sample 12 is arranged from which the ion current will be formed. This sample, fixed on a support 14, is in particular a metal sample such as, for example, tungsten, tantalum, molybdenum, zirconium, etc. This sample is subjected to the action of hot electron plasma 11, which makes it possible to vaporize it, then to ionize the vapors produced. The metal ions formed are then extracted from the cavity 2, for example by means of electrodes 16 between which a negative potential difference is created using a power source 17. The ions from the cavity (arrow F ) can then be analyzed, for example selected according to their degree of ionization, using any known means, shown diagrammatically in 18, using an electric field and / or a magnetic field.

On va maintenant décrire le dispositif selon l'invention, permettant de réguler le courant d'ions produits, c'est-à-dire permettant d'obtenir un courant d'ions d'intensité constante.We will now describe the device according to the invention, making it possible to regulate the current of ions produced, that is to say making it possible to obtain a current of ions of constant intensity.

Ce dispositif comprend un moteur 20, relié par l'intermédiaire d'une tige 22, au support 14 de l'échantillon 12 permettant de déplacer lentement ce dernier, de façon qu'il intercepte au mieux le plasma d'électrons 11. Plus l'échantillon 12 pénètre à l'intérieur de la cavité 2, plus sa température et donc son taux de vaporisation sont élevés.This device comprises a motor 20, connected by means of a rod 22, to the support 14 of the sample 12 making it possible to slowly move the latter, so that it best intercepts the electron plasma 11. More l sample 12 enters the interior of cavity 2, the higher its temperature and therefore its vaporization rate.

Par ailleurs, le taux de vaporisation et donc d'ionisation des vapeurs, notamment métalliques, dépendent de la puissance moyenne du champ électromagnétique pulsé injecté dans la cavité 2 et ce pour une profondeur donnée de pénétration de l'échantillon dans le plasma d'électrons. Par exemple, pour obtenir des ions d'aluminium 10 fois chargés (avec un échantillon en oxyde d'aluminium, le gaz support étant l'oxygène), il est nécessaire d'utiliser un champ électromagnétique ayant une puissance au moins égale à 300 watts.Furthermore, the vaporization rate and therefore the ionization rate of the vapors, especially metallic, depend on the average power of the pulsed electromagnetic field injected into the cavity 2 and this for a given depth of penetration of the sample into the electron plasma. . For example, to obtain aluminum ions 10 times charged (with a sample of aluminum oxide, the support gas being oxygen), it is necessary to use an electromagnetic field having a power at least equal to 300 watts .

Le contrôle de la puissance moyenne du champ électromagnétique est obtenu en pulsant le champ électromagnétique. Ce champ pulsé peut être obtenu à l'aide d'un générateur d'impulsions 24, dont on ajuste le cycle utile, c'est-à-dire le rapport t/T, t étant la durée d'une impulsion et T la période des impulsions, ce générateur commandant la source d'alimentation électrique 6 alimentant la source d'onde électromagnétique 3. En effet, les électrons du plasma acquièrent l'énergie nécessaire pour vaporiser l'échantillon 12 puis ioniser les vapeurs produites dès l'application du champ électromagnétique hyperfréquence et perdent cette énergie presque aussitôt après la disparition dudit champ.Control of the average power of the electromagnetic field is obtained by pulsating the electromagnetic field. This pulsed field can be obtained using a pulse generator 24, the useful cycle of which is adjusted, that is to say the ratio t / T, t being the duration of a pulse and T la period of the pulses, this generator controlling the electrical power source 6 supplying the electromagnetic wave source 3. In fact, the plasma electrons acquire the energy necessary to vaporize the sample 12 then ionize the vapors produced upon application of the microwave electromagnetic field and lose this energy almost immediately after the disappearance of said field.

Comme on l'a dit précédemment, le plasma d'électrons chaud est obtenu tout d'abord par une ionisation d'un gaz, notamment d'argon, d'azote ou d'oxygène, introduit dans la cavité 2 par une conduite 8. Ce gaz permet la formation du plasma avant que la pression partielle des vapeurs métalliques soit suffisante pour engendrer des ions métalliques.As mentioned above, the hot electron plasma is obtained firstly by ionization of a gas, in particular argon, nitrogen or oxygen, introduced into the cavity 2 by a pipe 8 This gas allows the formation of plasma before the partial pressure of the metal vapors is sufficient to generate metal ions.

Pour réguler le courant d'ions sortant de la cavité (flèche F), la pression totale régnant dans la cavité doit être maintenue constante. A cet effet, la conduite d'alimentation en gaz 8 est équipée d'une vanne 26 servant à moduler le flux de gaz introduit dans la cavité. Un dispositif 28 de mesure de la pression totale régnant dans la cavité 2, tel qu'un manomètre, permet, par l'intermédiaire d'un dispositif approprié, d'assurer le fonctionnement de la vanne 26 pour que la pression totale régnant dans la cavité reste constante.To regulate the current of ions leaving the cavity (arrow F), the total pressure prevailing in the cavity must be kept constant. To this end, the gas supply line 8 is equipped with a valve 26 used to modulate the flow of gas introduced into the cavity. A device 28 for measuring the total pressure prevailing in the cavity 2, such as a pressure gauge, makes it possible, by means of an appropriate device, to ensure the operation of the valve 26 so that the total pressure prevailing in the cavity remains constant.

Ce dispositif approprié peut être constitué, comme représenté sur la figure 1, par un dispositif 30, connecté à une tension de référence R, permettant de comparer la tension fournie par le dispositif de mesure 28 et la tension de référence R et de fournir un signal de commande à la vanne 26, signal qui correspond à la différence de tension entre la tension fournie par le dispositif de mesure 28 et la tension de référence R.This suitable device can be constituted, as shown in FIG. 1, by a device 30, connected to a reference voltage R, making it possible to compare the voltage supplied by the measuring device 28 and the reference voltage R and to supply a signal control valve 26, signal which corresponds to the voltage difference between the voltage supplied by the measuring device 28 and the reference voltage R.

Ce dispositif approprié peut aussi être constitué, comme représenté sur la figure 2, par un microprocesseur 32 commandant l'ouverture ou la fermeture de la vanne 26 suivant la tension fournie par le dispositif de mesure 28. Le microprocesseur est par exemple celui commercialisé sous la référence 6800 de MOTOROLA.This suitable device can also be constituted, as shown in FIG. 2, by a microprocessor 32 controlling the opening or closing of the valve 26 according to the voltage supplied by the measuring device 28. The microprocessor is for example that marketed under the reference 6800 from MOTOROLA.

Par ailleurs, la mise en marche du moteur 20, servant à déplacer l'échantillon 12, et celle du générateur d'impulsions 24, servant à engendrer le champ électromagnétique pulsé peuvent être effectuées manuellement comme représenté sur la figure 1 ou bien automatiquement comme représenté sur la figure 2. Dans le deuxième cas, un dispositif 34 de mesure de l'intensité du courant d'ions sortant de la cavité 2, telle qu'une cage de Faraday, doit être prévu. Le signal fourni par le dispositif 34 est entré dans le microprocesseur 32 commandant la mise en marche ou l'arrêt d'une part du moteur 20 et, d'autre part, du générateur d'impulsions 24.Furthermore, the starting of the motor 20, serving to move the sample 12, and that of the pulse generator 24, serving to generate the pulsed electromagnetic field can be carried out manually as shown in FIG. 1 or else automatically as shown in FIG. 2. In the second case, a device 34 for measuring the intensity of the ion current leaving the cavity 2, such as a Faraday cage, must be provided. The signal supplied by the device 34 is entered into the microprocessor 32 controlling the starting or stopping on the one hand of the motor 20 and, on the other hand, of the pulse generator 24.

Le moteur d'entraînement 20 et le générateur d'impulsions 24 asservis à l'intensité du courant d'ions ainsi que la vanne 26 asservie pour que la pression totale régnant dans l'enceinte soit constante, constituent, selon l'invention, le dispositif permettant d'obtenir un courant d'ions, notamment métalliques, d'intensité constante.The drive motor 20 and the pulse generator 24 controlled by the intensity of the ion current as well as the valve 26 controlled so that the total pressure prevailing in the enclosure is constant, constitute, according to the invention, the device making it possible to obtain a current of ions, especially metallic, of constant intensity.

Claims (7)

1. Source of highly charged ions obtained by vaporizing a solid material (12) in an ultra-high frequency cavity (2) and then ionizing the vapours produced as a result of the action of a hot electron plasma (11) confined in said cavity, said plasma being produced by ionizing a gas introduced into the cavity (2) as a result of the combined action of a high frequency electromagnetic field, established in the cavity, and a magnetic field, whose amplitude is such that the electrons are accelerated by electron cyclotron resonance, characterized in that it comprises means (24) making it possible to pulse the electromagnetic field injected into the cavity and control the mean power of this field having a pulse generator (24), whose useful cycle is regulated, a valve (26) serving to modify the gas flux introduced into the cavity, means (28, 30, 32) for controlling said valve in such a way that the pressure in the cavity remains constant and means (20) for the slow displacement in cavity (2) of the solid material (12) so that the latter intercepts the electron plasma (11) in the optimum manner.
2. Ion source according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises means (32, 34) for controlling the pulse generator (24), in such a way that the ionic current intensity is constant.
3. Ion source according to claim 2, characterized in that the means for controlling the generator comprise means for measuring the intensity of the ionic current (34) connected to a microprocessor (32).
4. Ion source according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for controlling the valve (26) comprise pressure measuring means (28) connected to a microprocessor (32).
5. Ion source according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises means (32, 34) for controlling the displacement means (20), in such a way that the ionic current intensity is constant.
6. Ion source according to claim 5, characterized in that the means for controlling the displacement means (20) comprise means for measuring the intensity of the ionic current (34) connected to a microprocessor (32).
7. Ion source according to claim 1, characterized in that the gas introduced into the cavity is argon, nitrogen or oxygen.
EP84402080A 1983-10-17 1984-10-16 Ion source, in particular for highly charged metallic ions, whose ion current is controlled Expired EP0142414B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8316465A FR2553574B1 (en) 1983-10-17 1983-10-17 DEVICE FOR REGULATING A CURRENT OF HIGHLY CHARGED METALLIC IONS
FR8316465 1983-10-17

Publications (3)

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EP0142414A2 EP0142414A2 (en) 1985-05-22
EP0142414A3 EP0142414A3 (en) 1986-06-04
EP0142414B1 true EP0142414B1 (en) 1989-03-22

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EP84402080A Expired EP0142414B1 (en) 1983-10-17 1984-10-16 Ion source, in particular for highly charged metallic ions, whose ion current is controlled

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US (1) US4582997A (en)
EP (1) EP0142414B1 (en)
JP (1) JPS60101843A (en)
DE (1) DE3477444D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2553574B1 (en)

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CN103974517A (en) * 2014-05-22 2014-08-06 哈尔滨工业大学 Constraint plasma aggregator under condition of high frequency electromagnetic field and aggregation method achieved by adoption of same

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FR2595868B1 (en) * 1986-03-13 1988-05-13 Commissariat Energie Atomique ION SOURCE WITH ELECTRONIC CYCLOTRON RESONANCE WITH COAXIAL INJECTION OF ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES
US4780608A (en) * 1987-08-24 1988-10-25 The United States Of America As Represented By The United States Department Of Energy Laser sustained discharge nozzle apparatus for the production of an intense beam of high kinetic energy atomic species
DE3834984A1 (en) * 1988-10-14 1990-04-19 Leybold Ag DEVICE FOR GENERATING ELECTRICALLY CHARGED AND / OR UNCHARGED PARTICLES
US5208512A (en) * 1990-10-16 1993-05-04 International Business Machines Corporation Scanned electron cyclotron resonance plasma source
DE19513345C2 (en) * 1995-04-08 2000-08-03 Ehret Hans P ECR ion source
FR2757310B1 (en) * 1996-12-18 2006-06-02 Commissariat Energie Atomique MAGNETIC SYSTEM, ESPECIALLY FOR ECR SOURCES, ALLOWING THE CREATION OF CLOSED EQUIMODULE B SURFACES OF ANY SHAPE AND DIMENSIONS
DE19933762C2 (en) * 1999-07-19 2002-10-17 Juergen Andrae Pulsed magnetic opening of electron cyclotron resonance ion sources to generate short, powerful pulses of highly charged ions or electrons

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FR2475798A1 (en) 1980-02-13 1981-08-14 Commissariat Energie Atomique METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PRODUCING HIGHLY CHARGED HEAVY IONS AND AN APPLICATION USING THE METHOD
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CN103974517A (en) * 2014-05-22 2014-08-06 哈尔滨工业大学 Constraint plasma aggregator under condition of high frequency electromagnetic field and aggregation method achieved by adoption of same

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2553574B1 (en) 1985-12-27
EP0142414A2 (en) 1985-05-22
DE3477444D1 (en) 1989-04-27
JPS60101843A (en) 1985-06-05
FR2553574A1 (en) 1985-04-19
EP0142414A3 (en) 1986-06-04
US4582997A (en) 1986-04-15

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