ion source

An ion source is a device that generates charged particles called ions, which are crucial in various scientific and industrial applications. It works by supplying energy to neutral atoms or molecules, causing them to lose or gain electrons and become charged. These ions are then used in fields like mass spectrometry for analyzing substances, in particle accelerators for research, and in medical imaging. Essentially, ion sources facilitate the study and manipulation of materials at a microscopic level by producing ions that can be controlled and directed for various purposes.