Enhancement of muonium emission rate from silica aerogel with a laser ablated surface

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that laser ablation of silica aerogel surfaces significantly enhances muonium atom emission into vacuum, with at least an eightfold increase in emission probability compared to unprocessed aerogel.

Contribution

First investigation of muonium emission from laser-processed aerogel surfaces, introducing a method to substantially increase emission rates.

Findings

Laser ablation creates hole-like regions in aerogel.

Emission probability increases at least eight times.

Enhanced muonium emission could improve experimental applications.

Abstract

Emission of muonium ($\mu^+e^-$) atoms from a laser-processed aerogel surface into vacuum was studied for the first time. Laser ablation was used to create hole-like regions with diameter of about 270$~\mu$m in a triangular pattern with hole separation in the range of 300--500$~\mu$m. The emission probability for the laser-processed aerogel sample is at least eight times higher than for a uniform one.