A completely cold laser ion source for separators

A new type of laser ion source is proposed for the UNISOR isotope separator. Products from heavy-ion reactions are stopped in helium gas and transported to a cold collector. After a collection period, the sample is desorbed by a pulsed laser beam. A second laser ionizes the atoms of interest in the vapor cloud. The ions are extracted and sent through the separator. Recent analytical applications of resonant and nonresonant ionization indicate that a total efficiency of 1-10% should be achievable. (orig.)