We describe a fast electromagnetic valve for generation of a pulsed supersonic molecular beam. The valve produces 70 &mgr;s pulses with typical intensities in the neighborhood of 1×1022molecules sr−1 s−1at frequencies to 35 Hz. It is triggered by a low voltage–low current pulsed power supply which activates externally‐mounted coils, minimizing problems of heat dissipation and electrical and magnetic interference. It also features a corrosion resistant gas reservoir isolated from the driving mechanism by a stainless steel bellows.