High resolution spatial map imaging of a gaseous target.

Area of Science:

• Atomic and molecular physics
• Physical chemistry
• Ion imaging techniques

Background:

• Velocity Map Imaging (VMI) is a standard technique for ion imaging.
• Spatial Map Imaging (SMI), proposed earlier, has been underutilized.
• A comprehensive understanding of SMI's parameters and capabilities is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To perform a detailed parametric characterization of Spatial Map Imaging (SMI).
• To describe one-, two-, and three-dimensional SMI modes.
• To experimentally validate SMI's performance and spatial resolution.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical analysis using Taylor expansion to model imaging parameters.
• Experimental investigation using photoionization of toluene with a focused laser beam.
• Simulation and experimental comparison for SMI characterization.

Main Results:

• Detailed parametric characterization of SMI is presented.
• The influence of various parameters on the imaging process is described.
• Achieved spatial resolution better than 4 μm within a millimeter-scale focal volume.

Conclusions:

• SMI is a viable and high-resolution ion imaging technique.
• The characterization provides a foundation for SMI applications.
• SMI is suitable for laser beam characterization, beam overlap control, and collision cross-section determination.