Pulse duration control for intense molecular beams

The method of pulse duration control is proposed for intense molecular beams. The method is based on the shortening of a primary molecular-beam pulse through the formation of a pressure shock ahead of a solid surface through which the beam is passed. The method was used to obtain intense SF$_6$, Н$_2$, Не, SF$_6$/H$_2$ (1/10), and SF$_6$/He (1/10)molecular beams with a pulse duration of $\leq10{-}15\, {\rm \mu s}$ and a spatial length of $\leq1{-}2 \,$cm.