title: Comment on "Generation of cold low divergent atomic beam of indium by laser ablation" [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 76, 113302 (2005)].
abstract: We present measurements of the velocity distribution of calcium atoms in an atomic beam generated using a dual-stage laser back-ablation apparatus. Distributions are measured using a velocity selective Doppler time-of-flight technique. They are Boltzmann-like with rms velocities corresponding to temperatures above the melting point for calcium. Contrary to a recent report in the literature, this method does not generate a subthermal atomic beam.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Denning
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Booth
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Amonson
authors.forename: S D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Bergeson