Comment on "Generation of cold low divergent atomic beam of indium by laser ablation" [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 76, 113302 (2005)].
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.
Denning
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Booth
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Lee
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Amonson
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Bergeson
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