Design and fabrication of a modular particle beam system for educational purposes

Abstract

Quantum and particle physics are among the most abstract and challenging topics to teach and learn. These subjects have a demanding mathematical foundation, and most educational institutions are not well equipped experimentally for teaching particle physics, mainly because of financial reasons. However, since this field of study represents the basis of modern physics, it would be of substantial benefit for educational institutions to have small-scale particle-beam systems. In this way, students can interactively understand various fundamental principles related to this topic. This work demonstrates the possibility of fabricating low-cost electron and ion sources, with material costs below $100. Such a device enables students to develop and conduct their own experiments and compare their measurements with the predictions of theoretical models. Furthermore, it allows students to gain an intuitive, hands-on understanding of the behaviour of particle beams and high-vacuum setups. A pedagogical implementation and assessment framework is also presented.