Measurements of Potential Positive Ion Sources of Gadolinium

Abstract

The long-term goal of the research is to develop a positive (Gd II) ion source for further experiments, particularly for the studies of negative ions. Gadolinium (Gd) is a hardly volatile element (melting temperature 1585 K, boiling point 3273 K) with metallic properties; therefore, the atomization and ionization of Gd requires specific efforts. In this  study, two methods were used to obtain the sources of Gd atoms and ions and to study their spectroscopic properties: laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and a hybrid plasma technique — a combination of hollow cathode discharge (HC) with low-pressure radiofrequency inductively coupled plasma (RF-ICP). For this research, samples of gadolinium metal and Gd₂O₃ were used.