Experimental investigation of the ion surfing transport method

The “ion surfing” method proposed earlier [G. Bollen, Int. J Mass Spectrom. 299 (2011) 131] for transporting ions in helium buffer gas has been demonstrated experimentally through detailed measurements with rubidium and potassium ions. These elements were found to be efficiently transported over distances of up to 40 cm in gas pressures reaching 200 mbar. Transport speeds as high as 75 m/s were reached for rubidium ions at a gas pressure of 80 mbar. The measured ion speed and transport efficiencies are found to be in good agreement with results from detailed ion transport simulations. This study validates “ion surfing” as a viable transport method for ions in gas that will benefit future devices for the thermalization of energetic ion beams.

Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (378 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Detailed experimental investigation of the ion surfing method to transport thermal ions in a buffer gas.
► Efficient ion transport, reaching 75 m/s was demonstrated for alkali ions in helium.
► Ion transport method for very short lived isotopes.