A1900 Wedge

In using the A1900 for rare-isotope production a wedge degrader is typically inserted into the fragment path at Image 2 (I2). Use of the appropriate wedge greatly reduces the number of different fragments reaching the A1900 focal plane and, thus, enhances the purity of the transported fragment(s) of interest. The disadvantage of using a wedge is usually a reduction in the rate of the fragment of interest delivered by the A1900. When a wedge is used the rigidity of segments 3 and 4 will be less than the rigidity of segments 1 and 2 to compensate for the energy loss of the fragments within the wedge. The A1900 Service Level Description (PDF) provides a description of commonly used wedges.