A Kilo-ElectronVolt Ion Irradiation Facility for Space Science
The KEVION facility at the University of Virginia consists of a modern, dual beam line, 25 – 300 kV ion accelerator with state-of-the-art analysis chambers, GRAINS, ICE, and TEST for transformative research in studies of space weathering, radiolysis, radiosynthesis, sputtering, surface charging, radiation damage, instrument development and sample characterization.Ready to plan your experiment with us?
Contact the KEVION Team: Instrument Scientist: Adam Woodson | email: akw8r@virginia.edu KEVION PI: Catherine Dukes | email: cdukes@virginia.edu KEVION/LASP telephone: 434.924.1059
GRAINS: A Multi-technique UHV Analytical Chamber
The GRAINS chamber (fully operational in December 2024) is designed to enable comprehensive analytical measurement and monitoring of surface (1–3 monolayers, ML), near-surface (to ~10 nm depth) and bulk (to ~10 µm depth) material characteristics by SIMS, XPS, RBS, and UV-Vis-NIR optical reflectance (or transmission).
ICE: UHV Multi-Technique Cryogenic Analytical Chamber
ICE chamber (operational) is optimized for measurement of radiosynethesis /radiolysis products, cross-sections and pathways by TPD, FTIR, mass spectroscopy, and mass balance methods under ISM/outer solar system conditions with temperature control (7–300 K) set or ramped.
UHV TEST Chamber for Instrument Development & Testing
This minimally-instrumented, mu-metal-lined UHV chamber (operational in January 2026) is optimized for instrument response testing over varied ion species/energies, and consists of a 14” diameter cylindrical body with multiple ConFlat ports of varied size, a dry-pumping system, and a goniometer for manipulating instrumentation in situ.
NEC 25-300kV Pelletron Ion Accelerator
The National Electrostatics Corp. Pelletron ion implanter (fully operational in November 2025) generates isotopically pure ion beams with energies between 25 and 300 keV for simulated space weathering, materials characterization, measurement of fundamental parameters, and instrument prototyping applications.
