vbid/9783319684307

Description

This book describes the design, construction, and characterization of a new�type of aberration-corrected, neutral-atom lens. Atom beam control plays a crucial�role in many different fields, ranging from fundamental physics research and materials�science to applied nanotechnology. Despite this, atom-optical elements like lenses and�mirrors remain relatively underdeveloped compared to their counterparts in other�optics fields. Although aberration correction is addressed quite comprehensively in�photon and electron lenses, no credible research efforts have yet produced the same�technology for neutral atoms. It reports on progress towards a neutral atom imaging device that will be useful in�a range of applications, including nanofabrication and surface microscopy. It presents a novel�technique for improving refractive power and correcting chromatic aberration in atom�lenses based on a fundamental paradigm shift from continuous, two-dimensional�focusing to a pulsed, three-dimensional approach. Simulations of this system suggest�that it will pave the way towards the long-sought goal of true atom imaging on�the nanoscale. The book further describes the construction of a prototype lens, and shows that all of the technological�requirements for the proposed system are easily satisfied. Using metastable neon from�a supersonic source,�the prototype was�characterized for three different focal lengths�and a diverse range of apertures. Despite some manufacturing imperfections,�lower distortion and higher resolution than has been shown in any previous�hexapole lens was�observed. Comparison with simulations corroborates the underlying theory and�encourages further refinement of the process.Typham this is the title: Neutral Atom Imaging Using a Pulsed Electromagnetic Lens