Real-time adjustable, 11 μ s FWHM, > 5 kHz, piezo electric pulsed atomic beam source

This paper provides a detailed description of how to construct a pulsed atomic beam source [including a fast ionization gauge (FIG) for characterization] with a unique combination of characteristics. We include technical drawings for a real-time adjustable piezo electric actuated pulsed valve capable of generating a 11 μs duration pulse of gas at a repetition rate of >5 KHz, with a shot-to-shot stability of 0.6%, and maximum densities of 10¹⁵ particles/cm³. We also include details on how to construct a FIG, with a 4 μs rise time, to measure the pulse. We report a 3D density map of a supersonic expansion of helium gas with a speed ratio S = 46 and a calculated longitudinal temperature of 0.3 K. Finally, the results of a laser ionization test are provided in order to verify the performance of the pulsed valve in a typical experimental configuration.