  The UNILAC was improved for high current performance by replacing the Wideroe
prestripper accelerator by an RFQ and an IH-type DTL. In addition, one of two
ion source terminals was equipped with high current sources of MUCIS- and
MEVVA-type. Therefore, a redesign of the LEBT from the ion source to the RFQ
entrance was necessary. The new LEBT was installed at the beginning of 1999.
The commissioning was carried mainly with a high intense argon beam. The
achieved 17 emA Ar+ are 6 emA above the RFQ design intensity. The expected
performance of the new LEBT was achieved: full transmission for high current
beams, preservation of brilliance along the beam line, isotope separation for
all elements, transverse phase space matching to the RFQ linac, and macropulse
shaping. In particular, the high degree of space charge compensation was
confirmed.
