Time-of-flight radio-frequency mass separator for continuous low-energy ion beams

A novel concept for a time-of-flight radio-frequency mass separator for low-energy beams is investigated. The concept is based on two sets of deflectors with sinusoidally-varying applied voltage and at least one Einzel lens. Results of analytical calculation and numerical simulation are presented and compared. Potential advantages of such a scheme include a resolving power similar to that of simple electromagnetic separators while at lower costs, as well as the possibility to incorporate the scheme relatively easily into existing electrostatic beam transport systems.