
atomic beam
An atomic beam is a stream of atoms that are directed in a specific path, often used in scientific experiments. Scientists generate this beam by heating atoms, which then move rapidly and can be focused using magnetic or electric fields. Atomic beams allow researchers to study fundamental properties of atoms, such as their behavior and interactions. This technology is essential in fields like quantum mechanics, atomic clocks, and particle physics, helping us gain insights into the nature of matter and the universe.