What is atomic beams?

Atomic beams are streams of neutral atoms traveling in a specific direction in vacuum or low-pressure gas environments. These beams are used in a variety of applications in physics, chemistry, and materials science, including spectroscopy, surface science, and atomic clocks.

The generation of atomic beams typically involves the use of electric and magnetic fields to manipulate the motion of charged particles such as ions or electrons, which then ionize neutral atoms in the surrounding gas. The resulting ionized atoms can then be accelerated and collimated into a beam that can be focused and directed to a specific target.

Atomic beams can also be generated using lasers, which can excite or ionize atoms in a sample and then direct the resulting atomic species into a beam.

The characteristics of atomic beams, such as their velocity and energy distribution, can be controlled by adjusting the operating conditions and parameters of the generating apparatus. This level of control makes atomic beams useful for a wide range of applications, from fundamental research in atomic physics to practical applications in materials science and nanotechnology.