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A compact source for bunches of singly charged atomic ions
T Murböck1, S Schmidt2, Z Andelkovic3
1Institut für Angewandte Physik, Technische Universität Darmstadt, D-64289 Darmstadt, Germany.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|May 2, 2016
Summary
A new compact ion source generates low-energy magnesium ion (Mg+) bunches for experiments. This reliable, low-noise device is crucial for sympathetic cooling of highly charged ions.
Area of Science:
- Atomic physics
- Ion beam technology
- Experimental physics
Background:
- Sympathetic cooling of highly charged ions requires a reliable source of laser-coolable ions.
- Existing ion sources may produce excessive electromagnetic noise, interfering with sensitive experiments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a compact, low-noise ion source for producing singly charged atomic ions.
- To provide magnesium ions (Mg+) for sympathetic cooling experiments within the SpecTrap experiment.
Main Methods:
- Atomic evaporation from a heated oven.
- Electron impact ionization within a grid-based volume.
- High-voltage pulsed extraction and focusing using an electrode arrangement.
Main Results:
- Successful operation and characterization of a compact ion source.
- Production of microsecond bunches of up to 10(6) Mg+ ions at a 1 Hz repetition rate.
- Demonstrated suitability for low electromagnetic noise environments.
Conclusions:
- The developed ion source is a simple, reliable, and effective tool for producing Mg+ ion bunches.
- The ion source successfully supported sympathetic cooling of highly charged ions at the HITRAP facility.
- This technology is valuable for experiments requiring low electromagnetic interference.
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