AN ORTHOTROPIC SOURCE OF THERMAL ATOMS

A source of thermal atoms that emits 100% of its atoms into a narrow b eam with small angular divergence is described. It uses both surface i onization and surface neutralization in conjunction with electric fiel ds to selectively emit a highly directional (orthotropic) beam of neut ral atoms. The source can be modulated electronically and lends itself to scanning. This orthotropic source is ideal for the efficient use o f rare atomic species, is well suited for atomic clocks, is essential for the efficient delivery of radioactive atoms to optical traps, and has the potential to produce ultrahigh intensity beams of stable atoms . (C) 1996 American Institute of Physics.