Operating principle of an electron monochromator in an axial magnetic field

Electron monochromators which are operated within an axial magnetic (guidin g) field are especially suitable for the production of monochromatic electr ons at low energies. Although in principle the technology of such devices h as an appreciable historic background, we have discovered experimentally im portant new features, which cannot be understood using the previously publi shed theories of operation. An in-depth study of the electron trajectories in a crossed electric and magnetic field using Simion(l) showed a number of possible pitfalls, which have to be avoided in construction and operation. From our simulations we derived a novel design and operational method, whi ch is currently under evaluation. We have already demonstrated that using t his novel design an electron energy resolution of about 50 meV is realistic . Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.