Generation of a fast atomic hydrogen beam

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Abstract
Apparatus has been developed for producing a beam of fast hydrogen atoms having energies between 10 and 3000 eV. The procedure involves generation of a beam of hydrogen ions (H−), appropriate ion acceleration and trajectory definition, and ion neutralization by a photodetachment process. The magnitude of the resulting neutral atom flux can be determined to within an uncertainty of less than ±3% by a technique described. An atom beam intensity in excess of 1011 atoms/sec at 1000 eV is readily obtainable, with the intensities at other energies scaling approximately inversely with the primary ion velocity. The advantages of the method over other neutral beam formation procedures are discussed, and techniques allowing considerable enhancement of the beam intensity over that presently achieved are suggested.

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