Intense and controlled beam of S($^1D_2$) atoms

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the production and manipulation of an intense, controlled beam of excited sulfur atoms in the $^1D_2$ state using a multistage Zeeman decelerator, enabling precise scattering experiments.

Contribution

The authors develop a method to generate and control a beam of excited sulfur atoms in the $^1D_2$ state with tunable velocity and high quantum-state purity.

Findings

Successful generation of a sulfur atom beam in the $^1D_2$ state.

Demonstration of velocity control and temporal separation of states.

Proof-of-principle elastic collision experiment with argon confirms beam suitability.

Abstract

We report the production of an intense and controlled beam of electronically excited sulfur atoms in the $^1D_2$ state using a multistage Zeeman decelerator. Sulfur atoms, generated via photolysis of CS$_2$, are produced in both the ground $^3P_J$ and excited $^1D_2$ states. We demonstrate that both can be manipulated using the decelerator, and that temporal separation between them can be achieved by operating in deceleration mode. This enables the generation of sulfur atom beams with a well-defined velocity, narrow velocity spreads, and an enhanced quantum-state purity. To assess the suitability of the beam for scattering studies, we performed a proof-of-principle elastic collision experiment with S($^1D_2$) and argon atoms. The observed velocity-map-imaging signal confirms that the S($^1D_2$) beam density is sufficient for detailed scattering studies. These results form the foundation for future studies of reactive and quenching processes involving S($^1D_2$) atoms at tunable and well-defined collision energies.