Characterization of a high-brightness, laser-cooled Li+ ion source

Published

February 20, 2019

Author(s)

Jamie R. Gardner, William R. McGehee, Jabez J. McClelland

Abstract

Ion sources based on laser cooling have recently provided new pathways to high-resolution microscopy, ion milling, and ion implantation. Here, we present the design and detailed characterization of Li-7 magneto-optical trap ion source (MOTIS) with a peak brightness of ≈ 1.3 x 10^5 A m^-2 sr^-1 eV^-1 and a maximum continuous current over 1 nA. These values significantly surpass previous Li MOTIS performance benchmarks. Using simple models, we discuss how the performance of this system relates to fundamental operating limits. This source will support a range of projects using lithium ion beams for surface microscopy and nanostructure characterization, including Li+ implantation for studies of ionic transport in energy storage materials.

Citation

Journal of Applied Physics

Volume

125

Issue

7

Pub Type

Journals

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5085068

Keywords

Atomic physics, Laser cooling, Focused ion beams, Scanning probe microscopy, Battery materials

Citation

Gardner, J. , McGehee, W. and McClelland, J. (2019), Characterization of a high-brightness, laser-cooled Li+ ion source, Journal of Applied Physics, [online], https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5085068 (Accessed October 22, 2025)