Abstract
We observe the capture and field ionization of individual atoms near the side wall of a single suspended nanotube. Extremely large cross sections for ionization from an atomic beam are observed at modest voltages due to the nanotube's small radius and extended length. The effects of the field strength on both the atomic capture and the ionization process are clearly distinguished in the data, as are prompt and delayed ionizations related to the locations at which they occur. Efficient and sensitive neutral atom detectors can be based on the nanotube capture and wall ionization processes.
Highlights
The ability to create extremely high electric fields near charged carbon nanotubes has stimulated the development of electron field emission sources [1,2], with potential application in low power video displays, and of sensitive gas sensors whose ionization currents depend on the pressure and species present [3,4,5]
We demonstrate with a single nanotube that field ionization of ground state rubidium atoms can be effected with very high efficiency at modest voltages
Atoms that approach the wire with angular momentum L less than a critical value Lc will be captured into trajectories that spiral towards the wire with no possibility of escape
Summary
The ability to create extremely high electric fields near charged carbon nanotubes has stimulated the development of electron field emission sources [1,2], with potential application in low power video displays, and of sensitive gas sensors whose ionization currents depend on the pressure and species present [3,4,5]. We demonstrate with a single nanotube that field ionization of ground state rubidium atoms can be effected with very high efficiency at modest voltages. This allows studies of the dynamics of both the capture and ionization processes for individual atoms interacting with a single charged nanotube.
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