Experiments with Supersonic Beams as a Source of Cold Atoms
Experiments with Supersonic Beams as a Source of Cold Atoms
Experiments with Supersonic Beams as a Source of Cold Atoms
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signal is m<strong>as</strong>ked by the background due to molecules. Figure 5.13 shows the ratio <strong>of</strong><br />
DtoD2 (multiplied by 100) <strong>with</strong> and <strong>with</strong>out the discharge.<br />
The background signal due to molecular hydrogen left in the beam presents<br />
a major problem for the experiment. This signal obscures the atomic signal and<br />
the experiment h<strong>as</strong> been unable to use the quadrupole <strong>as</strong> originally intended. Other<br />
detection methods are being investigated, and their use is more fully explored in<br />
section 5.4.1.<br />
5.2.4 Vacuum Chambers<br />
The vacuum chambers for the hydrogen experiment can be divided into three<br />
sections, the beam creation and differential pumping chambers, the slowing and trap-<br />
ping chamber, and the detection chamber. While the beam creation chamber is<br />
quite similar to the design used for the previous experiments, the beam slowing and<br />
trapping chamber is quite different from the one used in previous generations <strong>of</strong> the<br />
coilgun since the coils are outside <strong>of</strong> the vacuum envelope. Also, in the previous<br />
coilgun experiments there w<strong>as</strong> no dedicated detection chamber.<br />
Previously the supersonic nozzle w<strong>as</strong> in the center <strong>of</strong> a 6-way 6 inch cross,<br />
but in the hydrogen experiment the nozzle is in the center <strong>of</strong> a 6-way 8 inch cross.<br />
This change w<strong>as</strong> made to allow for more space around the nozzle, <strong>as</strong> placing the<br />
filament for the discharge w<strong>as</strong> difficult in the previous setup. The cross is pumped by<br />
a 500l/s Varian turbomolecular pump. The b<strong>as</strong>e <strong>of</strong> the skimmer (5mm diameter) now<br />
sits 142 mm from the exit <strong>of</strong> the nozzle. From the skimmer, the beam goes though<br />
a2− 3/4 inch bellows to a 4-way 2 − 3/4 inch cross which is pumped by a 70 l/s<br />
Varian turbo pump. Another skimmer (3 mm diameter) sits 380 mm from the nozzle.<br />
This second chamber provides differential pumping. Differential pumping is needed<br />
because <strong>of</strong> the small diameter <strong>of</strong> the slowing and trapping chamber. The conductance<br />
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