An improved high intensity recycling helium-3 beam source

Rev Sci Instrum. 2009 Jul;80(7):076110. doi: 10.1063/1.3186733.

Abstract

We describe an improved high intensity, recycling, supersonic atomic beam source. Changes address several issues previously limiting performance and reliability of the apparatus, including the use of newly available vacuum pumps and modifications to the recycling system. We achieve a source intensity of 2.5 x 10(19) atoms/s/sr, almost twice that previously achievable during recycling. Current limits on intensity are discussed.