Simple and Compact Nozzle Design for Laser Vaporization Sources

TL;DR

This paper introduces a compact, transparent nozzle design for laser vaporization sources that enhances molecular beam intensity and stability, enabling efficient ion trap loading of AlH+ for molecular ion experiments.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel nozzle design that eliminates the ablation aperture, improving molecular beam intensity and stability for laser vaporization sources.

Findings

Stable AlH production over hours

Enhanced molecular beam intensity

Low heat load and fast ion production

Abstract

We have developed and implemented a compact transparent nozzle for use in laser vaporization sources. This nozzle eliminates the need for an ablation aperture, allowing for a more intense molecular beam. We use this nozzle to prepare a molecular beam of aluminum monohydride (AlH) suitable for ion trap loading of AlH$^+$ via photoionization in ultra-high vacuum. We demonstrate stable AlH production over hour time scales using a liquid ablation target. The long-term stability, low heat load and fast ion production rate of this source are well-suited to molecular ion experiments employing destructive state readout schemes requiring frequent trap reloading.