Beam experiments on the Pulse Line Ion Accelerator

Beam experiments on a new accelerator concept called the Pulse Line Ion Accelerator (PLIA) have demonstrated the ability to accelerate and compress ion bunches. Charging the PLIA to its full potential is limited by a vacuum surface flashover. Discharge issues have been evaluated for possible solutions. A numerical model has been developed to investigate the breakdown phenomena. Experimental results and possible solutions for the elimination of the discharge are described.