Electron-atom source as a primary radiometric standard for the EUV spectral region

Area of Science:

• Atomic and Molecular Physics
• Radiometry
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Accurate radiometric standards are crucial for characterizing extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation.
• Existing standards may lack portability or sufficient precision for certain applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a novel compact and portable radiometric standard for the EUV wavelength region.
• To outline the principles of operation based on single photon counting and electron-impact excitation.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a compact device where an energetic electron beam interacts with a thin atomic or molecular gas target.
• Inducing radiative transitions within the gas target to generate EUV photons.
• Employing single photon counting techniques with a spectrometer-detector system for flux measurement.

Main Results:

• The system can achieve high photon emission fluxes (10^10 photons/s/cm) under typical operating conditions.
• A count rate of 500 counts/s is achievable with an f/6 spectrometer-detector.
• Potential for achieving ultimate uncertainties as low as 3% with precise cross-sectional data.

Conclusions:

• The described device represents a promising compact and portable radiometric standard for the EUV.
• Future work focusing on precision benchmark cross-sectional measurements will enhance the standard's accuracy.
• This technology could significantly advance EUV metrology and related scientific research.