dust accelerator: status and plans

Dust Accelerator: Status and Plans

• 3 MeV dust accelerator• Particle sizes: 0.2 – 2.5 m• Particle velocities: < 100 km/s

• Large test chamber• UV sources• Solar wind simulator• Various targets

• Small (UHV) test chamber• Microphysics diagnostics

• Additional 20 kV ‘mini’ accelerator• Prototype dust head, detectors, etc.

Pelletron in NPL

• Designed after Heidelberg facility• HV chamber• Dust head• Beam lines• Particle selection units

• Located in NPL on East Campus (Physics)• Previous use : CU cyclotron• 90’ x 56’ high bay (shared)• 50 ton crane• Lots of power and shielding• 12 offices + lab/sample-prep areas

Pelletron in NPL high bay

Pelletron in NPL high bay

NPL Second Floor

Near-Term Items

• NPL Renovation / Re-inhabitation• Clear / Paint offices• Clear high-bay space• Bring power/water/air to Pelletron area• FacMan supplied $50k of ICR funds for project

• Pelletron order• 12-month lead time until delivery•Chamber / vacuum sys. / cooling / beamlines / detectors / PSU / etc. can be completed during interim

• Complete fabrication of 20 kV mini-accelerator