Development and Implementation of the D-Pace Ion Source Automation System for the VITA Accelerator

The VITA accelerator neutron source based on a vacuum insulated tandem accelerator operates at the Institute of Nuclear Physics SB RAS. The development of a separate compact facility for the generation of fast neutrons is an actual task, it will allow the treatment of malignant tumors via boron-neutron capture therapy with fast neutrons and a number of other applications. To control the facility, store and analyze data, the author has previously created an automation system that allows the operator to provide long-term stable proton or deuteron beam production in a wide range of energy and current variations, and scientific staff to obtain experimental data and process them in real time. Currently, the BINP SB RAS is manufacturing the accelerating neutron source VITA for the National Medical Research Center for Oncology named after N. N. Blokhina in Moscow. It is planned to put it into operation in 2025. In contrast to the operating experimental installation of the BINP SB RAS, an ion source from the D-Pace company (Canada) will be used. This paper presents the automation procedure for the new ion source, control algorithms, PID controller coefficients and operating parameters, which made it possible to obtain a maximum average beam current on the Faraday cup of 13 mA with a stability of 0.14%.