In November of 1998, the ISAC radioactive beam facility at TRIUMF started delivering on-line isotope separated radioactive beams to experiments. A surface ionization source developed for ISAC has been used to commission the mass separator and beam transport systems and is providing radioactive beams to the first generation of ISAC experiments. The ion source is integral with the radioactive beam production target and is designed to be simple, radiation hard, inexpensive, and easily exchanged by remote-handling techniques. The ion source and its extraction column are suspended at the bottom of ∼2 m of steel shielding incorporated in the target module. The module is suspended in a vacuum tank with primary and secondary vacuum systems. All services for the target/ion source and beam extraction system are ducted through the module shielding. The first sets of beam transport elements and beam diagnostic devices are similarly suspended in vacuum at the bottom of two additional shielded modules. Ion beam characteristics can be routinely monitored during on-line operation by a system of Faraday cups, wire scanners, “harp” monitors, and a novel emittance measurement apparatus that can measure beam emittance in both horizontal and vertical planes. The diagnostics devices are capable of resolving beam signals down to the 10 pA range.

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A 2.45 GHz ECR ion source for the ISAC on-line operation is being tested at the TRIUMF ion source test stand prior to its installation in the radioactive ion beam production target module. Steps were taken at the design stage to ensure short transient time and high ionization efficiency for single charged ions. Further considerations were given to radiation hardness, reliability, and remote handling capabilities. Transient time was measured using an ultrafast piezoelectric valve. Efficiencies were measured using calibrated gas leaks of stable and radioactive isotopes such as Xe127. This article describes the overall characteristics of the source.