PNNL

Abstract

A calorimetric detector for minimally disruptive measurements of atomic hydrogen beams is described. The calorimeter measures heat released by the recombination of hydrogen atoms into molecules on a thin wire. As a demonstration, the the angular distribution of a beam with a peak intensity of ˜ 1016 atoms/(cm2s) is measured by translating the wire across the beam. The data agree well with an analytic model of the beam from the thermal hydrogen atom source. Using the beam shape model the relative intensity of the beam can be determined to 5% precision or better at any angle.