Intense and controlled beam of S($^1D_2$) atoms

Abstract

We report the production of an intense and controlled beam of electronically excited sulfur atoms in the $^1D_2$ state using a multistage Zeeman decelerator. Sulfur atoms, generated via photolysis of CS$_2$, are produced in both the ground $^3P_J$ and excited $^1D_2$ states. We demonstrate that both can be manipulated using the decelerator, and that temporal separation between them can be achieved by operating in deceleration mode. This enables the generation of sulfur atom beams with a well-defined velocity, narrow velocity spreads, and an enhanced quantum-state purity. To assess the suitability of the beam for scattering studies, we performed a proof-of-principle elastic collision experiment with S($^1D_2$) and argon atoms. The observed velocity-map-imaging signal confirms that the S($^1D_2$) beam density is sufficient for detailed scattering studies. These results form the foundation for future studies of reactive and quenching processes involving S($^1D_2$) atoms at tunable and well-defined collision energies.