A magnetically enhanced RF discharge source for metastable krypton production

We describe a high intensity metastable Kr source based on a helical resonator RF discharge. By adding an external B-field to the discharge source, the metastable Kr flux is enhanced. The effect of geometric configuration and magnetic field strength has been studied and optimized experimentally. Compared to the helical resonator discharge source without an external B-field, the new source showed an enhancement factor of 4-5 in producing metastable Kr beams. This improvement has a direct impact on the radio-krypton dating applications as it can increase the atom count rate, resulting in a higher analytical precision.

Automated summary

We present a high intensity metastable Kr source based on a helical resonator RF discharge, which is enhanced by an external B-field. Experimental studies and optimization have been conducted on the effect of geometric configuration and magnetic field strength. Compared to the helical resonator discharge source without an external B-field, the new source demonstrates a 4-5 times enhancement in producing metastable Kr beams. This improvement has direct implications for radio-krypton dating applications, as it increases the atom count rate and improves analytical precision.