Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing a non-contact signal pathway to conductive surfaces of a circuit includes a laser beam generator and an optical system for focussing a laser beam from the beam generator onto a plasma forming foil. The foil is positioned near the conductive surface so that the plasma touches the foil at a spot. The signal pathway is thus established between the foil and the conductive surface through the plasma. Signals can be applied to and read from the conductive surface through the pathway.

Abstract: A photoelectron emitting member and method of electrically charging fine particles with photoelectrons, wherein the member includes a matrix that is at least composed of a material capable of transmitting ultraviolet rays and a material that is provided on the surface of the matrix or in its neighborhood and which emits photoelectrons upon irradiation with ultraviolet rays or sunlight. The member emitting photoelectrons upon irradiation with ultraviolet rays or sunlight is disposed in an electric field from the side opposite to the irradiated side. The member permits efficient utilization of the energy of ultraviolet rays. When sunlight is applied to the member to have it emit photoelectrons, particles can be electrically charged with energy costs being reduced to substantially zero.

Abstract: A high bandwidth vapor density diagnostic system for measuring the density of an atomic vapor during one or more photoionization events. The system translates the measurements from a low frequency region to a high frequency, relatively noise-free region in the spectrum to provide improved signal to noise ratio.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for analyzing organic material present in a surface region (5) of a sample (1), the apparatus comprising: an evacuable sample receiving chamber (2); means (3) for generating an energetic beam (4) of particles or photons and for directing the beam onto the sample whereby to cause the removal therefrom of at least some organic material into a spatial region (7) proximate to the surface region; means (13) for generating non-coherent ultra-violet radiation (14); and means (13) for directing that radiation into the spatial region to photoionize organic material therein; means (35) for mass analyzing resultant ionized species; and means for conducting ions from the spatial region to the means for mass analyzing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the laser desorption of analyte molecular ions, especially of biomolecules, from a specimen. The object of the invention is to improve a process of this type in such a way that intact desorption of biomolecules, preferably of large molecular mass, is also possible with a laser. This is achieved by using laser light of a wavelength of about 300 nm or greater than 300 nm and using a matrix which is able to absorb in the selected wavelength range.

Abstract: In a laser microprobe interface for a mass spectrometer, such as a Fourier transform mass spectrometer, the focusing optical system (1) and the viewing optical system (4) are arranged in the cell holder (5) of the spectrometer itself. The focusing optical system (1) can be moved by an adjustment means (2) so as to make allowance for the variation of the focal distance with the wavelength of the primary ionization laser beam (3) and is arranged at the center of the viewing optical system (4) of the achromatic inverted cassegrain type. The latter optical system provides perfect definition of the image and a high magnification together with a good depth of field and good laser focusing. The arrangement of the focusing optical system (1) at the center of the viewing optical system (4) also allows the focusing optical system (1) to be interchanged with other ionization means.

Abstract: An ion source includes a partial flow generator for generating particle flow including atoms or molecules, a laser beam generator for generating a laser beam with one or a plurality of wavelengths which irradiates the whole or one part of the atoms or molecules in the particle flow near an exhaust nozzle of the particle flow generator, a pair of electrodes for applyinig an electric field over one part or the whole of the particle flow in the downstream region of the region irradiated with the laser beam, and a power supply for applying a voltage to generate the electric field between the electrodes to the electrodes.

Abstract: The laser isotope separation apparatus utilizes the circularly-polarized light to selectively excite the isotopes to the first or the second excited level. In case where the isotope shift is equal to or smaller than the line width of the laser light, it can be selectively ionized and separated because the isotopes absorb the circularly-polarized light based on the angular momentum selection rule and are excited and the isotopes not excited according to the mass number of isotopes (or those having nuclear spin not equal to zero and equal to zero). The selective excitation by the angular momentum selection rule and the ionization are performed by 3 steps of excitation. Three excitation wavelengths are generated from two or more lasers, and the optical paths of these light beams are made to be in same length by optical delay circuit. Accordingly, even when the laser light source is pulse-operating, selective excitation and ionization can be performed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for determining the utilization factor [U] in a photochemical mercury enrichment process (.sup.196 Hg) by measuring relative .sup.196 Hg densities using absorption spectroscopy.

Abstract: A time-of-flight spectrometer includes a gridless ion source for generating ions. The ions are reflected by a reflector and detected in a detector. Different types of ions, indicative of the chemical make-up of a sample, have different times of flight. The ion source includes apertured gridless electrodes to establish a specific potential distribution. The potential distribution can be established utilizing electrodes having apertures of varying diameters. The spectrometer also includes mechanical structure for varying the angle of the detector.

Abstract: A photochemical process for .sup.196 Hg enrichment is provided. The process of the invention includes entraining mercury including .sup.196 Hg isotope in a carrier medium comprising argon and HCl; and exposing the entrained mercury including .sup.196 Hg isotope in the carrier medium to 253.7 nm light to form a quantity of .sup.196 Hg.sub.2 Cl.sub.2. The present process results in an improved feedstock utilization.

Abstract: A photoelectron microscope wherein a normal conductive coil is used to produce a divergent magnetic field to form an enlarged photoelectron image of a specimen to be examined. The coil is only momentarily energized by pulse current, and in synchronism with the energization of the coil and while the change of the resultant magnetic field with time is small, the radiation source is actuated to produce a radiation pulse so that the photoelectrons produced upon irradiation of a specimen with the pulse flies through the magnetic field so as to be received by an image forming device. The image forming device is operated in synchronism with and a predetermined variable period of time after the actuation of the radiation source thereby to obtain photoelectron images of the specimen of different energy levels. By skimming only those photoelectrons of low energy which are emitted close to the axis of the magnetic field, it is possible to obtain images of high resolution.

Abstract: In mass spectrometry, a time of flight (TOF) mass spectrometer is used to measure the mass spectrum of organic molecules of mass ranging from 200 Dalton to greater than 200,000 Dalton. Ions from the sample are desorbed by striking the probe tip with laser pulses in a spot size, on the tip, in the range of 0.03-3.0 mm.sup.2. The time of flight of the ions is measured and displayed with a resolution of the ion molecular signal in the range of 300-500 full width at half-maximum definition (FWHM).

Abstract: A method of yielding selectively a desired enrichment in a specific isotope including the steps of inputting into a spinning chamber a gas from which the specific isotope is to be isolated, radiating the gas with frequencies characteristic of the absorption of a particular isotope of the atomic or molecular gas, thereby inducing a photoionization reaction of the desired isotope, and collecting the specific isotope ion by suitable ion collection means.

Abstract: A high brilliance mass selected (Z-selected) negative ion and neutral beam source having good energy resolution. The source is based upon laser resonance ionization of atoms or molecules in a small gaseous medium followed by charge exchange through an alkali oven. The source is capable of producing microampere beams of an extremely wide variety of negative ions, and milliampere beams when operated in the pulsed mode.

Abstract: A method for modulating a liquid metal ion source includes generating an ion beam, directing a light beam at the liquid metal ion source and inducing a modulation in the ion beam by modulating the light beam.An apparatus for carrying out the invention includes a light beam source for generating a light beam, a modulator for modulating the light beam and a mechanism for directing the modulated light beam at the light metal ion source.

Abstract: A method and device for volatilizing and thereafter ionizing quantitatable femtomole and smaller amounts of molecules of nonvolatile solid oranic materials is disclosed. The method and device employ a laser pulse to desorb the organic material from a support upon which it is physisorbed. The support and the laser are related to provide a rate of heating of the support surface of at least 10.sup.6 .degree. K./sec with the support withstanding this heating rate without volatilization. Glass and similar inorganic oxidic substrates are preferred. The molecules so generated can be ionized, preferably with the use of resonance-enhanced muiltiphoton ionization. The ions so formed are characterized by a heavy predominance of ions corresponding to the molecules so as to permit their sensitive and unambiguous resolution by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: An optical partical pressure gas analyzer employs an electron beam to excite the outer electrons of gas atoms or molecules, and one or more photomultiplier tubes or other similar detectors to detect wavelengths of photons characteristic of the decay of the outer electrons of one or more species of gas molecules. The photomultiplier tubes have a viewing direction substantially at right angles to the electron beam. A Faraday trap or similar device is employed to minimize secondary electron generation. This-film interference filters are favorably employed to pass a specific characteristic wavelength of the desired species, and to reject other wavelengths. An electromechanical filter changer permits each photomultiplier tube to analyze and identify many gaseous species in the low pressure mixture.

Abstract: A new method and apparatus for providing a stable, temporally controllable high current density electron beam from a photocathode has been developed. A low level of cesium and, possibly a stabilizing gas, is supplied to the photoemitting surface while the electron beam is being generated, thereby replenishing cesium and possibly other ions lost from the emitting surface on a continual basis.

Abstract: A non-coherent photoneutralizer that has a fluorescent light source for neutralizing a negative ion beam as it is passed through a housing in which the fluorescent light source is mounted.

Abstract: Apparatus for the distribution of laser beams used during a selective reaction in a process for isotope separation by lasers. The system comprises in an enclosure (10), a material in the form of a vapor flow, from which it is wished to extract one species, and laser sources (12) supplying pulses along beams S1 . . . Sn at selective excitation wavelengths .lambda.1 . . . .lambda.n and along a beam St at wavelength .lambda.t permitting a transforming of said excited species. The system incorporates partial reflection mirrors (Mi) arranged in such a way that the transmitted and reflected beams S1 . . . Sn, St are superimposed. A first part (P1) of these beams is directed to the enclosure and a second part (P2) to the mirror (Mi+1). Return means (14) make it possible to adjust the length of the path in enclosure (10) between two mirrors (Mi) and (Mi+1).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating a nearly mono-energetic beam of atoms at velocities on the order of several km/sec (energies of 1-10 eV) and for achieving modification of the surface properties of a target by the beam, including surface erosion, reaction with the beam species, cleaning and coating, all over a large area. A gas or gas mixture is forced through a nozzle throat into a previously evacuated expansion nozzle resulting in the acceleration of the gas in a confined flow. Laser radiation is applied to the gas flow to cause breakdown and dissociation of the gas into an atomic plasma. The plasma is allowed to expand within the nozzle cone reaching a high velocity in the desired range. The beam is generated within a vacuum chamber to maintain the purity of the gas components and prevent collisional effects. The beam is used to modify the properties of a target material placed in the path of its flow and its atoms may react with surface components to form a molecular coating.

Abstract: The ion current generator is employed for thin film formation, ion implantation, etching, sputtering or the like. A vaporizer supplies material atoms to a predetermined region, and then, the material atoms are excited to a Rydberg state by lasers supplied from laser oscillators. The material atoms thus excited are ionized by an electric field applied from electric field application means, to be lead to a predetermined direction. Accordingly, an ion current can be generated at a high efficiency and low cost.

Abstract: A charged particle spectrometer for performing ultrasensitive quantitative analysis of selected atomic components removed from a sample. Significant improvements in performing energy and angular refocusing spectroscopy are accomplished by means of a two dimensional structure for generating predetermined electromagnetic field boundary conditions. Both resonance and non-resonance ionization of selected neutral atomic components allow accumulation of increased chemical information. A multiplexed operation between a SIMS mode and a neutral atomic component ionization mode with EARTOF analysis enables comparison of chemical information from secondary ions and neutral atomic components removed from the sample. An electronic system is described for switching high level signals, such as SIMS signals, directly to a transient recorder and through a charge amplifier to the transient recorder for a low level signal pulse counting mode, such as for a neutral atomic component ionization mode.

Abstract: According to the invention, under glancing incidence a first radiation (6) in the infrared range and which is linearly polarized is supplied to a target (2) made from a non-electrically insulating material and simultaneously to said target is supplied under a non-glancing incidence a second radiation (8) in the visible or ultraviolet range, in such a way that a same zone of the target is reached by the first and second radiations, the polarizing plane of the first radiation also being such that it contains a perpendicular to said zone, which then produces electrons.Application to the production of free electron lasers.

Abstract: Aerosol particles, resulting from the combustion of organic substances with insufficient oxygen supply, usually contain toxic, higher hydrocarbonic substances (e.g. tar) on their surface. These substances, e.g. tar, has the property to be photoelectrically more active than other substances contained in the atmosphere. In the method and apparatus according to the invention an aerosol, i.e. the carrier gas containing the particles to be characterized, is used which has been brought to at least one predetermined temperature sufficient for evaporation or decomposition or preventing condensation of molecules on particles of said aerosol that quench or enhance photoelectric activity. Such aerosol is exposed to electromagnetic radiation and, thereby, activated to electron emission. Thereafter the charge of the photoelectrically positively charged particles is determined by means of size selective filter means which are connected to current or charge measuring equipment.

Abstract: An ionization detector for gas chromatography employs as an electron source a film (66) of gold deposited on an ultra-violet lamp (64) within a cylindrical glass body (60) closed at the ends by PTFE plugs (62 and 68). A jet anode (72) receiving effluent from a chromatographic column has its nozzle (74) adjacent the lamp (64) with a triode collector ring (78) between them. A ground wire (80) is connected to the gold film (66). Ultra-violet radiation from the lamp (64) produces a cloud of gold electrons and the consequent ionization of sample molecules from the jet (72) with a corresponding current when voltage is applied.

Abstract: A point projection photoelectron microscope is disclosed. A specimen is enclosed in a photoconductor that is subject to the photoelectric effect. The specimen is positioned on a pedestal in an evacuated chamber. The specimen is bombarded by radiation, either of light, ultraviolet radiation, or soft x-rays. The is in a vacuum chamber and it is highly charged with a negative potential. The vacuum chamber includes a surface sensitive to electron flow for making an image. This surface is a phosphor screen or an image intensifier having the capability to be gated for imaging or not imaging incident electrons or a segmented electron collecting anode for electronic imaging. In operation, a collimated beam of radiation, ranging from light to soft x-rays is projected through a specimen disposed in the photoemitter. An image of the specimen is produced on the photoemitter. The light or x-ray which impact on the photoemitter which produce electrons by the photoelectric effect.

Abstract: The invention relates to high-powered negative ion generator in a gaseous medium with a high-strength electric field configuration. This high-powered negative ion generator in a gaseous medium with a high-strength electric field configuration comprising two self-contained subsystems:a source of very high negative dc voltage (THT) which is capable of supplying the current required for the second subsystem;an electron optics unit comprising the points emitting electrons (Pte) and the various components (S1, P1, P2, P3) which cannot be separated and which create the configuration of the electric field required for the result it is desired to achieve.

Abstract: An improved photoionization detector has a sweep gas inlet which is used to introduce sweep gas near the window of the detector's ultraviolet lamp. The detector's chamber has a vent which allows selective removal of spurious analyte. The detector is adapted to have directly mounted on it, a second detector. Sweep gas used to keep analyte away from the window may be used as a reagent in the second detector. In addition, a means for regulating the ionization lamp voltage is disclosed which prolongs lamp life expectancy.

Abstract: Apparatus for photoneutralization of negatively charged atomic or molecular particles, using multiple passes of electromagnetic radiation of predetermined wavelength.

Abstract: A method is provided for selectively photoionizing .sup.196 Hg atoms in a vapor utilizing a three or four-step photoionization process.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for isotope separation using the combination of selective pre-excitation by light radiation with further collisional processing in a DC, rf or microwave gas discharge field to recover ionized atoms or dissociated molecules of the selected isotope. Thus, uranium atoms or molecules in gas phase are irradiated in an interaction volume with light radiation of selected wavelength to raise energy states to a relatively stable second or mid-level. At the same time a gas discharge within said interaction volume subjects raised energy atoms or molecules to a collisional process tending to raise a significant number through the energy ladder to the respective ionization continuum or dissociation light whereupon the charged atoms or molecules may be collected as an enriched bulk of selected isotopic species.

Abstract: Laser sustained discharge apparatus for the production of intense beams of high kinetic energy atomic species. A portion of the plasma resulting from a laser sustained continuous optical discharge which generates energetic atomic species from a gaseous source thereof is expanded through a nozzle into a region of low pressure. The expanded plasma contains a significant concentration of the high kinetic energy atomic species which may be used to investigate the interaction of surfaces therewith. In particular, O-atoms having velocities in excess of 3.5 km/s can be generated for the purpose of studying their interaction with materials in order to develop protective materials for spacecraft which are exposed to such energetic O-atoms during operation in low earth orbit.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting gas in a sample gas in a carrier gas stream and including a windowless ionization detector having a pulsed power supply which is switchable at a rate which provides a pulse period shorter that the transit time of ions to be detected to the collector electrode of an ionization chamber of the detector. Switching allows any signal due to ion detection to be separated from background noise due to other effects in the chamber.

Abstract: A photoionization type detector utilizes a photoionization sensor to detect the concentration of contaminants in the air, a humidity sensor to detect the water vapor concentration in the air and a temperature sensor to detect the temperature of the air. A microcomputer first calculates the water vapor concentration present in the air from the humidity and temperature sensor readings. Then, the microcomputer applies a predetermined correction factor corresponding to the calculated absolute humidity to the response of the photoionization sensor. This correction factor compensates for the negative cross-sensitivity of the photoionization sensor the humidity in the art and produces an accurate contaminant concentration level which is then displayed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the quantitative and/or qualitative characterization of substances which are contained in a gaseous carrier medium. Modifications of the surface of small solid particles suspended in a carrier gas may be measured with very high sensitivity by the application of the photoelectric effect. Thereby, an aerosol is chemically modified, e.g. by admixing a gaseous agent or a gas mixture, or by subjecting it to an electromagnetic radiation, and subsequently the resulting variation of the photoelectron emission from the suspended particles is recorded. By measuring the variation of the photoelectric effect during the admixing or variation of a gaseous agent to the aerosol to be examined or during a variation of the electromagnetic radiation, to which the aerosol to be examined is subjected, the suspended particles may be classified in one or several steps.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system making it possible to obtain a selective reaction in photochemical processes from laser beams, comprising means for distributing said beams permitting a good utilization of the light energies.This system comprises in a sealed enclosure: the matter being in the state of a vapor from which it is wished to extract a chemical or isotopic species, laser sources emitting into said enclosure; a beam S.sub.1 permitting a selective excitation of the species to be extracted and a beam S.sub.2 permitting a transformation of said excited species. This system also comprises means for distributing the beams and incorporating means for superimposing the beams S'.sub.1 . . . S.sub.1.sup.(n) with n being an interger at least equal to 1 and for forming several beams S.sub.1 which it is wished to introduce at several points through the vapor to be treated, means for introducing beams S.sub.1 and beam S.sub.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for conducting a molecular gas or gas mixture containing at least one molecular component, in a closed circuit, in particular for the purpose of generating processes in the gas or gas mixture involving its partial ionization and the stimulation of molecules to vibrate in the corresponding gas component. The apparatus comprises two similarly designed flow channels preferably having a rectangular cross-section. The broadsides of the channels are arranged beside each other or constructionally integrated and are connected with each other at their adjacent ends by two apparatus for circulating gas, in such a way that the gas can flow through them in opposite directions. Electrodes are set in partial areas of each channel, electrically insulated from the channel walls, the electrode closer to the other channel in each case being electrically connected, or constructionally identical, to the corresponding electrode of this other channel.

Abstract: A compact radiation source is obtainable by cascade ionization of a high pressure gas jet as it emerges into a vacuum. The high frequency electric field causing the ionization can be supplied by either microwave or infra-red means. The radiation produced includes ions, atoms, plasma or light, in particular, vacuum ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing in a mass spectrograph ions contained in gas emitted from a sample upon application of a laser beam spot to the surface of the sample, the apparatus including a vacuum vessel which houses the mass spectrograph therein, a support structure which supports the sample outside the vacuum vessel, a first laser irradiation device for applying a first laser beam to the surface of the sample, and a second laser irradiation device for applying a second laser beam to the flow of gas generated from the sample and flowing toward the mass spectrograph in the vacuum vessel through a nozzle provided in the same vessel.

Abstract: There are disclosed gas chromatographic ionization detectors of the argon and electron capture types. The free electrons required for the functioning of the detectors is achieved by irradiating a solid photoemissive element with ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: An ultrasensitive mass spectrometry method based on multiphoton sub-Doppler resonance ionization to measure abundance sensitivities. The method preferentially ionizes a selected isotope in a sample by using Doppler-free resonant multiphoton ionization to produce an enhanced ratio of selected isotopes. Background species are separately ionized and rejected. As necessary or desired, selected isotope ions are preferentially ionized by using a second Doppler-free resonant multiphoton ionization to provide an additional isotope enhancement. The ions produced are injected into a mass spectrometer. Isotopic spectrum analysis of the ions is performed by the spectrometer and the ions are then detected by a detector such as a particular photon multiplier capable of observing a single ion. In one embodiment, at least one of the steps of preferentially ionizing the selected isotope is accomplished by two counter propagating laser beams of slightly different frequencies.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for mass spectral analysis of unknown species of matter present on a surface even in extremely low concentrations. A probe beam such as an ion beam, electron beam or laser is directed to the surface under examination to remove a sample of material. An untuned, high-intensity laser is directed to a spatial region proximate to the surface. The laser has sufficient intensity to induce a high degree of nonresonant, and hence non-selective, photoionization of the sample of material within the laser beam. The non-selectively ionized sample is then subjected to mass spectral analysis to determine the nature of the unknown species.

Abstract: A thermal electron source suitable for use in an electron capture detector comprises a source of stable ultra-violet light, an ultra-violet transparent support member (20,31) located in the path of the ultra-violet light (41) and a thin photo-emissive metallic layer (1A, 24, 33) coated over the surface of the support member remote from the source. In one form the source is a cylindrical mercury vapor lamp (1) with the photo-emissive layer coated directly on the lamp. The coated lamp may then be enclosed within a cylindrical anode (8) with a gas flow between them and the electrical current is measured between the anode and cathode. In an alternative arrangement a planar geometrical assembly is provided. Preferably the photo-emissive material is gold and the carrier gas is an argon-methane mixture.

Abstract: A method for the ionization of polymers which comprises forming a thick layer of the polymer on a probe tip and then ionizing the polymer in a vacuum with laser irradiation. In a preferred embodiment, a moiety that readily photoionizes in an IR field is incorporated into the thick layer of polymer and the irradiation of the thus modified polymer is done with a CO.sub.2 IR laser. A method is also disclosed for the fabrication of polymer coatings which comprises accelerating the charged polymer ions generated by the ionization of a thick layer of polymer in a vacuum toward the substrate which has an appropriate charge gradient.

Abstract: An ion beam generator having an ion generating section for generating ions where the material to be ionized is introduced and a light source for introducing a light into the ion generating sections. This light has a wavelength such that it excites the material to be ionized to the intermediate state from the ground state of the material by a resonance excitation. The specific material to be taken out as an ion beam is selectively ionized through the intermediate state.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for producing a stream (56) of a selected isotope. The apparatus comprises means for producing an atomic beam (26) containing the isotope of interest and other isotopes. Means (48) are provided for producing a magnetic field (28) traversing the path of the atomic beam of an intensity sufficient to broaden the energy domain of the various individual magnetic sublevels of the isotope of interest and having the atomic beam passing therethrough. A laser beam (32) is produced of a frequency and polarization selected to maximize the activation of only individual magnetic sublevels of the isotope of interest within the portion of its broadened energy domain most removed from other isotopes within the stream. The laser beam is directed so as to strike the atomic beam within the magnetic field and traverse the path of the atomic beam whereby only the isotope of interest is activated by the laser beam.

Abstract: A gas concentration measuring method comprises irradiating a sample gas with ultraviolet light in the presence of oxygen, thereby converting a specific gas for detection contained in the sample gas into fine oxide particles by photochemical reaction, irradiating the sample gas having the fine oxide particles contained therein with light, and detecting scattered light emitted from the fine oxide particles contained in the sample gas.

Abstract: An ion beam generator includes: an ion generating section for generating ions and where the material to be ionized is introduced; a gas discharge device for exciting the material to be ionized to a low excited state; a light source for introducing a light into the ion generating section, which light has a wavelength such that it excites the material to be ionized to an intermediate state from the low excited state of the material by a resonance excitation; and the specific material to be taken out as an ion beam being selectively ionized through the intermediate state.