Real-time adjustable, 11 μs FWHM, >5 kHz, piezo electric pulsed atomic beam source

Abstract

This paper provides a detailed description of how to construct a pulsed atomic beam source (including a fast ionization gauge for characterization) with a unique combination of characteristics. We include technical drawings for a real-time adjustable piezo electric actuated pulsed valve capable of generating a 11 µs duration pulse of gas at a repetition rate of > 5 KHz, with a shot-to-shot stability of 0.6%, and maximum densities of 10 15 particles/cm 3. We also include details on how to construct a fast ionization gauge (FIG), with a 4 µs rise time, to measure the pulse. We report a 3D density map of a supersonic expansion of Helium gas with a speed ratio S = 46 and a calculated longitudinal temperature of 0.3 K. Finally, the results of a laser ionization test are provided in order to verify the performance of the pulsed valve in a typical experimental configuration.