Gridless retarding potential analyzer for use in very‐low‐energy charged particle detection

Abstract

The theory of the hyperbolic retarding potential analyzer in the electrostatic mode is developed in detail and verified in the laboratory. A monoenergetic electron beam is used for the laboratory investigation. The analyzer (acronym HARP) has advantages over other conventional electrostatic analyzers; among them are less contact potential influence and high throughput because of the symmetry shape of the analyzer. The most useful application of the HARP is in detecting low‐energy charged particles. A sample of low‐energy particle data obtained in the earth’s ionosphere is given. 360