Atomic Beam E-H Gradient Spectrometer

Abstract

A novel atomic beam magnetic substate selector is described. A potential difference is applied to the insulated pole faces of an inhomogeneous magnet. The resulting E and H fields are then approximately congruent throughout the gap region. A beam atom experiences forces due to its effective magnetic moment and induced electric moment which can be made to balance for particular magnetic substates, independent of the atomic velocity. State‐selected beams of reasonable intensity and purity can thus be obtained.