Patent attributes
An apparatus for controlling the temperature of an ion source is disclosed. The ion source includes a plurality of walls defining a chamber in which ions are generated. To control the temperature of the ion source, one or more heat shields is disposed exterior to the chamber. The heat shields are made of high temperature and/or refractory material designed to reflect heat back toward the ion source. In a first position, these heat shields are disposed to reflect a first amount of heat back toward the ion source. In a second position, these heat shields are disposed to reflect a lesser second amount of heat back toward the ion source. In some embodiments, the heat shields may be disposed in one or more intermediate positions, located between the first and second positions.