Efficient production of a Ca-48 beam from oxide material in an electron cyclotron resonance ion source using a low power miniature oven

A technique is described which allows the highly efficient production of a Ca-48 beam from oxide material with reduction by zirconium in an electron cyclotron resonance ion source at a temperature of 875 degrees C, easily attainable with a low power miniature oven. This method yields superior beam quality in terms of stability, intensity, and longevity compared to methods which have been used in the past. Details on the design and fabrication of the miniature oven are also provided. (C) 1996 American Institute of Physics.