The Alpha-E ion beam is extracted from a stable plasma. An RF synthesizer and amplifier chain is the first step in generating the plasma by supplying the microwave power needed for the process of electron cyclotron resonance. This lesson introduces you to the RF synthesizer and amplifier chain components, and to a selection of analytical methods for evaluating performance and functionality of the system. You will learn how to produce stable microwave signals, amplify them to practical power levels, and deliver them efficiently to a load. In the Alpha-E, this system operates at 2.45 GHz, a widely used microwave frequency for plasma generation and for communication technologies.

Explore how microwave power at 2.45 GHz can transform a neutral gas into plasma—a glowing, ionized state of matter whose properties are strongly influenced by external electromagnetic forces. With the Alpha-E system, you will create an electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) plasma tailored to specific operating conditions. A series of tests will then characterize both the plasma and the resulting ion beam transport. Through both hands-on experiments and complementary simulations, students will gain a deep understanding of ion beam optics.

Control of the composition and properties of a confined gas is essential for plasma or ion beam systems. Activities in this module deal with various connector options and gas handling techniques used in the Alpha-E system. You will create and maintain a high vacuum, and set the conditions needed for a plasma discharge by the controlled introduction of a gas. Techniques include using a turbo molecular pump to evacuate a chamber to ∼10⁻⁶ torr, track pressures with different gauges, and regulate gas flow using a mass-flow controller (MFC).