Modified miniature metal vapor vacuum arc source for the Shanghai electron beam ion trap

A modified miniature metal vapor vacuum arc ion source has been developed for the Shanghai electron beam ion trap. Several kinds of elements have been tested to extract lowly charged ions, such as Fe, Au, Ge, Mo, Ti, Al, and Cu. Besides high enough ion beam current and a short pulse width, we focus on the operation reliability, long term operation, and convenience of use. 0 2006 American Institute of Physics.