摘要 |
An ion source is described for use with conventional and modified ion implantation equipment to improve safety and increase efficiency when generating radioactive ion beams. The ion source is particularly useful with radioactive species that are volatile at room temperature or react with air molecules to form volatile compounds. One or more components of the ion source, such as a cathode, an anode, an electrostatic electron reflector, a vaporizer, a sputter target, a gas line or a plasma chamber, may be mounted on extensible probes within radiation shielded sealable transfer containers. Other components of the ion source may be fixed in a vacuum chamber, which may have one or more valved openings corresponding to the sealable openings in the transfer containers. The components on the probes may be extended into position inside the vacuum chamber for operation of the ion source, and may be retracted into the sealable transfer containers and transported to an area for servicing or repair.
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