Numerical simulation and experimental characterization of the TRIUMF-FEBIAD cathode temperature for optimizing the ion source performance

The FEBIAD ion source is routinely used to produce radioactive ions of halogens, molecules, and noble gases in several ISOL facilities worldwide. At TRIUMF, an extensive numerical and experimental campaign has been performed to fundamentally understand the source while improving its reliability and overall performance. Particularly, the cathode temperature has been studied by pyrometric measurements, Schottky analysis and numerical simulations to properly understand the electron emission driving the ionization. The temperature values found are consistent within the error bars and confirm the equivalence of the methodologies used. The findings can be used as part of a numerical ionization model for more realistic electron emission and the benchmarked thermal model can be used to propose novel and more robust geometries.