Measuring atoms
Coltrims (Cold Target Recoil Ion Momentum Spectroscopy) is an imaging technique for measuring the complete fragmentation of reactions with few particles involved. This is set up at CRYRING, a heavy ion storage ring.
All charged fragments from an atomic, molecular or surface reaction are projected onto large area detectors by a combination of electric and magnetic fields. From the measured time of flight of the particles and their impact position on the detector, the three-dimensional momentum vector is obtained, from which further conclusions can be drawn.