Negative ion beam source as a complex system: identification of main processes and key interdependence

Complex network theory offers new tools to tackle controllability of systems such as processes affecting generation, extraction and acceleration of negative ions in ion beam sources. A model has therefore been developed and tested for the negative ion beam source NIO1. Preliminary results show good agreement between model predictions and experimental behaviour of the source. A subset of driver processes which in principle allow the system to be controlled has been identified. One of the driver processes related to the meniscus formation has been found to play a key role in the global controllability of the system, so that a detailed discussion of the physics behind its formation and uniformity has been provided.