In order to study the depth-dependent characteristics of open-volume defects in thin surface layers, the variable-energy positron lifetime spectroscopy (VEPLS) has been enabled by pulsing a continuous positron beam. The buncher is a quarter-wave coaxial resonator and the RF-signal is fed in by a coupling loop with a frequency of 149.89 MHz and the reflection factor of 0.05 measured by a Network Analyzer. Three synchronic signals with their phases and amplitudes adjusted independently are supplied for start signal of the positron lifetime measurement and the power signal by an electronic system. The stop signal is derived from a detector, a BaF2 scintillator coupled to a photomultiplier-tube (Hamamatsu). The time resolution of 295 ps (FWHM) was achieved for a Kapton film and a Ti sample at positron energies in the range between 1 keV and 30 keV. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.