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Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Molecular Beam Mass Spectrometry With Tunable Vacuum Ultraviolet (VUV) Synchrotron Radiation
Published on: October 30, 2012
Molecular ion source having low energy spread and single-electron-impact excitation
J J Spezeski1, G A Ruff, W H Wing
1Department of Physics, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721Physics Department, Bates College, Lewiston, Maine 04240Department of Physics and Optical Sciences Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721.
Abstract:
A cylindrically symmetric electron-bombardment ion source is described that has been useful in beam experiments with molecular ions. Measurements indicate that the ions have a kinetic-energy spread (full-width at half-maximum) of 0.5-1.0 eV, a current of several microamperes, and a population distribution that is consistent with vibrational and rotational factors resulting from single-electron-impact ionization. The source exhibits low noise ( less, similar twice the theoretical shot-noise limit) and has a compact and easily serviceable construction.
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