A fast shutter valve for use in plasma diagnostics

A fast shutter valve, designed for operation in high-vacuum plasma physics experiments, is described. By electromagnetically induced movement of the shutter blade, opening and shutting times of the order of 10 ms have been achieved. The results of test measurements of the shutter velocity and of the gas resistance in the closed position are presented. The specific use of the shutter valve in a time-of-flight experiment is discussed.