The SCRIT electron scattering facility at RIKEN RI Beam Factory is a unique facility dedicated to electron scattering off unstable nuclei. The SCRIT (Self-Confining Radioactive isotope Ion Target) method utilizes the phenomenon of ion trapping within an electron storage ring. This innovative technique forms a target by replacing the residual gas in the ring with incident radioactive isotope (RI) ions. The circulating electron beam provides a self-focusing force, enabling trapping of RI ions along the beam axis. Consequently, the SCRIT method facilitates the creation of an unstable nuclear target within the electron storage ring, realizing the long-anticipated electron scattering off unstable nuclei. For achieving high luminosity, it is crucial to investigate the dynamics and properties of the trapped ions, as various complex processes govern their motion within the SCRIT ion trap. Our recent studies focused on measuring the energy distribution of the trapped ions. The results revealed a clear correlation between the ion energy and their total trapped charge, indicating a significant space charge effect. More detailed investigations are currently underway, including the measurement of the distribution of ion charge states and the emittance distribution for each specific charge state. In this contribution, we report on the current status of studies concerning the ion trap properties and prospects of the SCRIT electron scattering facility.

The SCRIT electron scattering facility at RIKEN RI Beam Factory is a unique facility dedicated to electron scattering off unstable nuclei. The SCRIT (Self-Confining Radioactive isotope Ion Target) method utilizes the phenomenon of ion trapping within an electron storage ring. This innovative technique forms a target by replacing the residual gas in the ring with incident radioactive isotope (RI) ions. The circulating electron beam provides a self-focusing force, enabling trapping of RI ions along the beam axis. Consequently, the SCRIT method facilitates the creation of an unstable nuclear target within the electron storage ring, realizing the long-anticipated electron scattering off unstable nuclei. For achieving high luminosity, it is crucial to investigate the dynamics and properties of the trapped ions, as various complex processes govern their motion within the SCRIT ion trap. Our recent studies focused on measuring the energy distribution of the trapped ions. The results revealed a clear correlation between the ion energy and their total trapped charge, indicating a significant space charge effect. More detailed investigations are currently underway, including the measurement of the distribution of ion charge states and the emittance distribution for each specific charge state. In this contribution, we report on the current status of studies concerning the ion trap properties and prospects of the SCRIT electron scattering facility.