Simulation and experimental validation of atom effusion characteristics for resonance ionization laser ion source geometries

A Monte-Carlo-type simulation model has been developed to describe the effusion of atoms from hot cavity tubes for application to high-purity laser resonance ionization ion sources. The model is validated by comparison with theoretical descriptions of low-pressure particle transfer mechanisms and experimental data obtained by probing the spatial evolution of the atom density downstream for different atom source geometries with laser ionization. The numeric studies, in agreement with the experimental validation, quantify possible efficiency improvements in the order of 30% for high-purity resonance ionization laser ion sources, and highlight the significance of closest distance between atom source and active ionization region. The developed simulation model is a stepping stone for further investigations into efficiency, experimental resolution for laser spectroscopy applications, and more sophisticated geometries.