In the double-slit experiment with single atoms, the atoms are typically dislodged from a chunk of matter using a technique called atomization or atom source. This process involves creating a beam of neutral atoms by evaporating or ionizing atoms from a material source.
There are several methods to create neutral atom beams. One common technique is called laser ablation, where a high-intensity laser is focused on a solid material, causing atoms to be ejected from the surface. These ejected atoms are often in an excited state, and they quickly relax to their ground state, resulting in a beam of neutral atoms.
Another method is called thermal evaporation, where the material is heated to a high temperature, causing atoms to gain sufficient energy to escape from the surface. These evaporated atoms can then be cooled and collimated to form a directed beam of neutral atoms.
It's important to note that during the process of atomization, the neutral atoms are dislodged from the chunk of matter while retaining their overall neutral charge. This is because the process primarily involves the ejection of neutral atoms, rather than the creation or removal of electrons or protons that would result in a charged particle.
Once the neutral atoms are dislodged, they can be manipulated and directed through the double-slit apparatus, allowing for the observation of interference patterns and the study of wave-like behavior at the atomic scale.