Abstract:
In response to the demand for scarce isotopes in the research on the synthesis of superheavy elements, an inductive high-temperature oven for the Bernas ion source has been designed and fabricated, which is used for the production of refractory metal isotopes in the field of isotope production. Its main features include a compact structure, direct connection between the oven head and the plasma chamber wall, and the use of a special bell-shaped structure to introduce metal vapor into the plasma chamber. The temperature distribution of the inductive high-temperature oven was simulated and calculated using the ANSYS simulation software. The results show that the temperature at the center of the crucible of the designed high-temperature oven can reach above
1700 °C, which can meet the heating requirements of the refractory metal vapor needed. At the same time, the designed high-temperature oven was tested off-line, and the temperature distribution inside the crucible was measured using a tungsten-rhenium thermocouple. The experimental results are basically consistent with the simulation results. In the off-line experiment, the crucible can operate continuously and stably at a high temperature of
2000 °C, verifying the long-term stability and reliability of the high-temperature oven. An online experimental platform incorporating a Bernas ion source was established. By integrating an induction furnace with the Bernas ion source, the generation and extraction of calcium and chromium ions were successfully achieved. This study preliminarily demonstrated the feasibility of combining an induction oven and a Bernas ion source to produce refractory metal ions for potential application in the fabrication of refractory metal isotopes.