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arXiv · 2512.11364

Verification and experimental validation of neutral atom beam source produced by L-PBF

Abstract

We report validation tests of a calcium atomic-beam source fabricated via Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF). The surface quality and elemental composition of the printed component were quantitatively assessed, allowing us to establish reference parameters for reliable operation in an ultra-high-vacuum environment. Safe operating conditions of the atomic oven were determined through a combination of simulations and experimental measurements. The ability of the device to deliver an atomic beam to the main experimental region -- the electron/ion trap -- was verified using atomic fluorescence imaging. Fluorescence spectroscopy was further employed to characterize the beam divergence, yielding an emission-cone half-angle of approximately 19 degrees for atoms near the beam axis. A current of atoms on the order of $10^8$ s$^{-1}$ was estimated in the electron-trapping region, which is more than sufficient for anticipated electron-trapping and ion-trapping experiments.

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Vineet Kumar, Niklas V. Lausti, Peter Kúš, Adam Jelínek, Ivan Hudák, David Motyčka, Petr Dohnal, Radek Plašil, Jiří Hajnyš, Michal Hejduk. 2025-12-12. Verification and experimental validation of neutral atom beam source produced by L-PBF. https://doi.org/10.1088/2399-6528%2Fae4f4e

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