A compilation of mass spectra from liquid metal sources

Abstract

Since our first report at LEIB-1 on the basic operating characteristics of liquid metal ion sources (LMIS) many groups throughout the world have taken up research and application of this source type. Ion spectra from LMIS are uniquely different from those of all other ion source types, perhaps the most notable feature being the very high relatively abundance of M n+ in many cases. The range of ion species available from LMIS was until recently somewhat restricted but has now been substantially extended by use of alloys as source feed material. Even elements that sublime in the pure state and thus cannot be used as source feedstock, can be alloyed in a suitable host matrix to produce useful high brightness ion beams. Ion spectra obtained from such alloys, eutectics or other matrices contain a wealth of useful ion species ranging from Li + to U 4+ which find diverse application in nuclear, atomic and surface physics. The authors have compiled and collated both published and previously unpublished spectra from international research groups together with source feed materials.