ABSTRACT
This chapter describes some highly specialized ion sources and gives review articles as reference for more detailed information in the respective field. Polarized ion sources generate beams of nuclear spin-polarized ions and consist of a complex system of particle generator, polarizer, and ionozer. In optically pumped polarized ion sources, intensive laser beams are used to polarize the electrons in alkaline vapors, which can transfer the polarization to a proton or deuteron beam. Cluster ions are used for micromachining as slow but high-momentum beams. Extraction and acceleration of cluster ion beams is done in the usual way by electric fields. Ion thrusters for space propulsion are of similar design as large-area and industrial ion sources; in reality, the latter have been developed from ion thrusters. Ion thrusters have to deliver a high momentum and therefore use heavy ions, mainly xenon or mercury.
