12.5 keV Proton Beam for Experiments in Optics and Dynamics of Space Charge Dominated Beams

We describe a facility for the study of space charge dominated beams using a retired duoplasmatron source from early operation of Fermilab. The initial objective is to test concepts and components intended for a medium energy <A HREF=http://www-fermi3.fnal.gov/recycler/ecool/e_cool.html>electron cooling system</A> for 8 GeV antiprotons. The 4.3 MeV electron beam for the cooling system will operate at a current of about 200 mA initially and ultimately at 2 A or more. Tests with an optically equivalent proton beam (i.e., one with the same emittance, magnetic rigidity, and beam perveance) can be done at practically tabletop scale without need for radiation protection measures. We anticipate that the facility will also be used in more academic studies of space charge dominated beam propogation.