The principle of operation of the MaMFIS differs from that of the standard Electron Beam Ion Sources and Traps. The MaMFIS (main magnetic focus ion source) is the compact room-temperature ion source, which uses the local ion trap created in a focus of the electron beam rippled by a thick magnetic lens. The focus is characterized by extremely high electron current density. The local ion trap is used for the production of highly charged ions and, accordingly, the characteristic radiation (in particular, the x rays). The extraction of highly charged ions is realized by transformation of the rippled electron beam into a smooth flow. In this case, the local ion trap disappears, so that highly charged ions can escape in the axial direction. Without the ion extraction, the MaMFIS operates in the trapping regime.

The principle of operation of the MaMFIS is illustrated in its logotype. The focused electron beam (red color) creates the local ion trap (circle in the center). The ions confined in the trap radiate the photons (yellow color). After some ionization time, the rippled electron beam is transformed into the smooth flow (green color).