Learning by Simulations: Ion Optics

Learning by Simulations has been developed by Hans Lohninger to support both teachers and students in the process of knowledge transfer and acquisition . Click here for more information.

Home Physics Ion Optics

See also: Vector Fields, Electric Field of Point Charges, Optical Lens

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Electron and ion optics are used in a wide variety of applications, from the electron microscope to mass spectrometers and ion propulsion engines. Though the implementation of a high-quality ion optical system can be rather demanding, the principles of ion optics are simple: any charged particle moves along the gradient of an electrostatic field, becoming (de)accelerated by the field. The trajectories of charged particles can thus controlled by forming suitable electric (and/or magnetic) fields.

The program "Ion_Gun" calculates the trajectories of charged particles (ions and electrons) in an electrostatic field which acts as an electrostatic lens. It allows to adjust the potentials of 6 point charges, as well as their positions. In addition, the point charges can be moved by dragging them with the mouse, and the incident angle of the ion beam as well as its width can be controlled by the user..... For downloading the program click on the little floppy disk symbols at right.