Generation of ions in a pulsed ion source with an interface based on a polymer track membrane

The time-of-flight spectra of ions generated during the extraction of negative ions from the KI solution in water–glycerin mixture by high-strength electric field pulses are studied using a source with an interface based on a polymer track membrane. It has been shown that the ions formed in secondary processes of bombardment of the membrane surface make a considerable contribution to the observed spectra. It has been found that the peaks of negative hydrogen ions have the highest intensity in the spectrum, indicating effective emission of these ions during the bombardment of polyethylene terephthalate by secondary ions with an energy of about 6 keV. The main trends in the modification of the membrane interface to reduce the fraction of secondary ions in the ion beam have been outlined.