New methods in molecular beam studies

A brief review is given of the development of methods used in investigations employing molecular beams. The topics discussed include the latest achievements in the development of gas-dynamic sources of molecular beams, the use of lasers in investigations employing beams, new methods of time-of-flight analysts of energies of particles in beams, and new possibilities associated with the use of position sensitive detectors based on secondary emission and utilizing microchannel plates.