High-flux monochromatic ion and electron beams based on laser-cooled atoms

Abstract

We propose a source for high-brightness ion and electron beams based on the ionization of an effusive atomic beam which is transversely laser cooled and compressed. The very low transverse temperature (mK range) and the relative low density of the starting atomic sample ensure excellent initial conditions for obtaining bright and monochromatic charge sources. In contrast to the standard photoionization techniques used by similar sources, we utilize field ionization of Rydberg atoms. This approach allows a substantial reduction of the required laser power and copes differently with the problems of the energy spread created during the ionization process and of the stochastic space-charge effect. Theoretical modeling and prospective ideas of this emerging technology are given.