Symmetry-based design of fragment separator optics

Next-generation high-intensity large acceptance fragment separators require a careful design due to the large high order aberrations induced by the large aperture superconducting magnets needed to collect rare isotopes obtained from a high energy primary heavy-ion beam hitting a target. In this paper we propose a fragment separator layout based on various symmetries that satisfies the baseline requirements. Analytical calculations based on symmetry theories simplify the design to numerical optimization of a basic cell with only a few magnetic elements. The insight provided by these calculations resulted in the specification of a simple layout with large acceptance, transmission, and resolution. The design method may be easily adapted to project-specific needs. The important effects of energy degraders necessary for full fragment separator design will be addressed in a future publication.