Verification and experimental validation of neutral atom beam source produced by L-PBF

Abstract

We report validation tests of a calcium atomic-beam source fabricated via Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF). The surface quality and elemental composition of the printed component were quantitatively assessed, allowing us to establish reference parameters for reliable operation in an ultra-high-vacuum environment. Safe operating conditions of the atomic oven were determined through a combination of simulations and experimental measurements. The ability of the device to deliver an atomic beam to the main experimental region -- the electron/ion trap -- was verified using atomic fluorescence imaging. Fluorescence spectroscopy was further employed to characterize the beam divergence, yielding an emission-cone half-angle of approximately 19 degrees for atoms near the beam axis. A current of atoms on the order of $10^8$ s${}^{-1}$ was estimated in the electron-trapping region, which is more than sufficient for anticipated electron-trapping and ion-trapping experiments.

12 pages, 6 figures, beam divergence derivation from fluorescence spectra added