An improved installation for high-resolution laser spectroscopy on ion beams

For many years, a complex installation has been developed in our laboratory for high-resolution laser spectroscopy of fast ion and neutral beams. Various results have been obtained for different species (H2, O2+, N2+, N2O+, and CO2+). The different spectroscopic techniques applicable to an accelerated beam are presented or recalled in this work to show the performance of the apparatus. Some difficulties in understanding the b4 Σ–g O2+ predissociation process led us to modify the molecular photofragment detection system and make it more efficient, as shown by the results presented. PACS No.: 39.30.+w