Laser systems for on-line laser ion sources

Since its initiation in the middle of the 1980s, the resonant ionization laser ion source has been established as a reliable and efficient on-line ion source for radioactive ion beams. In comparison to other on-line ion sources it comprises the advantages of high versatility for the elements to be ionized and of high selectivity and purity for the ion beam generated by resonant laser radiation. Dye laser systems have been the predominant and pioneering working horses for laser ion source applications up to recently, but the development of all solid-state titanium:sapphire laser systems has nowadays initiated a significant evolution within this field. In this paper an overview or the ongoing developments will be given, which have contributed to the establishment of a number of new laser ion source facilities worldwide during the last five years. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.