"Electrostatic analyser" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription `/ɪˌlɛk.trəʊˈstæt.ɪk ˈæn.ə.laɪ.zə/`. The first syllable "elec-" is pronounced with a short "e" sound and "k" is silent, followed by "tro-" pronounced with a long "o" sound. "Static" is pronounced with a long "a" sound and the stress is on the second syllable. "Analyser" is spelled with an "s" instead of a "z" in British English, and pronounced with a short "a" sound followed by "lyz-" with stress on the second syllable.
An electrostatic analyser is a scientific instrument used in the field of particle physics and surface science to measure the kinetic energy and velocity distribution of charged particles. It operates based on the principles of electrostatics.
The analyser consists of three main components: an entrance slit, an electrostatic field, and an exit slit. Charged particles are introduced into the analyser through the entrance slit, and an electric field is applied to accelerate and focus the particles towards the exit slit. The electric field is generated by a series of electrodes that create a potential gradient, allowing the particles to be accelerated or decelerated based on their charge and initial energy.
As the particles move through the analyser, their trajectory is affected by the electric field. Only particles with a specific range of energies, corresponding to a specific potential difference between the electrodes, will pass through the exit slit. By varying the potential difference, the analyser can selectively filter particles with different energies, allowing for the measurement of their energy distribution.
Electrostatic analysers are commonly used in experiments that involve studying the properties of charged particles, such as determining the mass and charge of ions or investigating the energy distribution of electrons emitted from a surface. They provide valuable information on the behavior and characteristics of charged particles, aiding in the understanding of fundamental interactions and the development of various technologies.
The word "electrostatic" is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "electro", which means amber or electricity, and "static", which means stationary or still. The term "analyzer" is derived from the word "analyze", which comes from the Greek word "analyein", meaning "to break up". Therefore, the etymology of the term "electrostatic analyzer" indicates a device or instrument that breaks up or analyses stationary electric charges or electricity.