Optimization of hydrogen consumption in hydrogen masers (atomic frequency standard)

A study of velocity distributions of hydrogen atoms effusing out of radio frequency (RF) discharge is presented. The velocity distributions of hydrogen atoms effusing out of an RF discharge dissociator having a geometry and operating parameters resembling those of a maser dissociator were determined. Realistic calculations of the velocity-dependent transmission of hexapole-magnet state selectors were performed. Designs yielding good matches between atomic velocity distribution and magnet transmission were investigated and the consequences of possible mismatches were explored. An analysis of the focusing properties of hexapole magnet state selectors shows that the efficiency of hydrogen use by the maser can be increased significantly by optimizing the state selector design for the actual atomic hydrogen velocity distribution. Some test results are presented.<>