Metal vapor vacuum arc ion source development at GSI

The status of experimental research, ongoing development, and upgrade of the high current metal vapor vacuum arc ion source is presented. By applying a magnetic field in the cathode region of the vacuum arc ion source it is possible to shift the charge state distribution to higher mean charge state. The combination of a magnetic field and small metal meshes in the plasma drift region is used to decrease the beam noise and to improve the ion beam stability. The results of experiments on the beam stability with different magnetic fields, cathode materials, and mesh are presented and discussed.