Aluminosilicate sources of positive ions for use in collision experiments

Filament sources of all alkali metal and thallium ions have been made using 90% Pt–10% Rh gauze coated with natural or synthetic aluminosilicate materials. Details of the material preparation and emitter fabrication techniques are discussed. The various ion emitters are examined as to total emission, impurity emission, and lifetime. A composite emitter capable of simultaneously producing the several ions is presented.