How electrons fly through a trochoidal monochromator

Full text: Recently we have performed detailed electron trajectory simulations of trochoidal monochromators. Using the SimIon program we have generated a 3-dimensional model with the same dimensions as the monochromator presently used in our lab. By comparing the trajectories of different electrons with various starting conditions the operational principle of the trochoidal monochromator has been studied in great detail. The main focus of this study was on the influence of the kinetic energy on the trajectories of the electrons. In particular, the comparison of electrons with similar kinetic energy but different emission angles from the filament lead to new insights into the theory of operation. In order to visualize the operation principle we have generated a movie, where the electrons on their way through the monochromator can be seen. The camera will follow several electrons traveling on the trajectories as calculated by SimIon. It will be possible to observe the influence of starting conditions on the action of the monochromator. Refs. 3 (author)