Liquid-metal ion gun

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-006696",
  "term": "Liquid-metal ion gun",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A device that produces a focused beam of ions from a molten metal source, used primarily in surface analysis techniques. A sharp needle, wetted with a low-melting-point metal, is subjected to a strong electric field, causing ions to be emitted from the tip. These ions, often gallium, are then accelerated and focused onto a sample surface for imaging or sputtering.",
  "subject": "Analytical Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "primary ion"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2020, 92, 1781. 'Glossary of methods and terms used in surface chemical analysis (IUPAC Recommendations 2020)' on page 1840 (https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2019-0404)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/liquid-metal-ion-gun/"
}