DESIGN NOTE: A surface detector for metastable atoms
Abstract
A surface detector for the detection of metal atoms in metastable states is described. The surface used for de-excitation of the metastable atoms is produced from the condensed vapour of the target metal. The resulting secondary-electron emission is detected by a channel electron multiplier. The design offers the important advantage of a low work function and high selectivity for the secondary electrons. Efficient cooling of the detection surface and the electron multiplier makes it possible to use the detector in studies of metal vapours at temperatures of up to 400 °C. An example of the use of the detector to measure the electron-impact excitation function for inner-shell excited metastable states in potassium is presented.
- Publication:
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Measurement Science and Technology
- Pub Date:
- March 2000
- Bibcode:
- 2000MeScT..11N..42B