A subnanosecond pulsed ion source for micrometer focused ion beams

Area of Science:

• Atomic and Molecular Physics
• Plasma Physics
• Laser-Matter Interaction

Background:

• Traditional ion sources often involve high temperatures or complex plasma generation.
• Achieving low emittance and micrometer-scale focusing of ion beams is crucial for high-resolution experiments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a new compact ion source capable of producing low-emittance, room-temperature ion beams.
• To enable precise control over ion beam properties for advanced applications.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a high-power, femtosecond laser pulse for multiphoton ionization of gas at low pressure (10^-6 mbar).
• Employing carefully simulated ion optical elements for beam extraction and focusing.
• Characterizing ion properties including temperature, emittance, and pulse duration.

Main Results:

• Generation of nanosecond pulsed ion beams with low emittance, focusable to micrometer sizes.
• Ions produced at room temperature via multiphoton ionization, avoiding hot plasma conditions.
• Sub-nanosecond pulse duration with minimal time jitter achieved.

Conclusions:

• The developed ion source offers a compact and efficient method for producing high-quality ion beams.
• The precise temporal and spatial characteristics of the ion beams are suitable for demanding collision experiments.
• This technology advances the capabilities for high-resolution particle beam applications.