Time-of-flight velocity selection using pulsed tunable laser fluorescence detection

A time-of-flight velocity selection method utilizing pulsed tunable laser fluorescence detection is described. The flight time is determined by the delay between the time when a pulse of particles is let through a chopper slit and when a pulsed dye laser is fired. The method is illustrated by velocity analyses of the Na thermal decomposition product in a NaCl beam and of a Ca atomic beam.