HOME PROGRAM REGISTRATION HOTEL TRANSPORTATION SUBMIT ABSTRACT ABSTRACT LIST PROGRAM COMMITTEE MORE ON MADISON	Symmetric Neutralized Ion Beam Production Author: Hicks N.K. Coauthor: J. Chen, A.Y. Wong Institution : UCLA Abstract text: Experimental results pertaining to the production of symmetric neutralized ion beams (SNIBs) are presented. SNIBs are composed of equal quantities of positive and negative ions and, when they are of sufficient density, are able to propagate across magnetic fields. They may represent an attractive alternative to conventional neutral beams, due to their compact size, low gas pressure, and their ability to be accelerated to high energies using moderate RF voltage (RFQ accelerator). An experimental approach of extracting H+ and H- ions from a single multicusp, volume production ion source is being conducted. The extraction voltage is switched rapidly back and forth from positive to negative, causing the extraction of alternating bunches of positive and negative particles. Langmuir probe data confirm that the ion source plasma potential quickly follows the changing extraction voltage. The bunches are allowed to mix longitudinally as they propagate, yielding a SNIB. Computer modeling of the cross-field propagation is also in progress, using a 3D PIC code.