A crossed electron—ion beam setup for ionization experiments

A new crossed beam experimental setup has been built for the study of electron impact ionization of multiply charged ions. The animated beam method has been applied. Sweeping irregularities and fluctuations of the beam intensities are taken into account. The electron gun is swept mechanically by means of a stepping motor. The energy range extends continuously from 20 eV to 6 keV. Results are reported for single and double ionization of Ar8+. The luminosity is seen to be of the order of 5 × 1020 Hz/cm2. The global performance of the present apparatus is compared with the one of similar devices.