Linear Paul Trap

In 2018, we built a linear Paul trap to perform precision experiments using the “clock” transition in 40Ca+, S1/2-->D5/2 (729 nm), to generate and manipulate a quantum bit.

The design and construction of the trap has been part of the Master Thesis of Joaquín Berrocal, realized and defended during the 2017/2018 academic term, starting from a specific model developed by the group at the University of Innsbruck. Figure 1 shows the linear trap.

The system has been implemented utilizing the existing vacuum, laser and optics infrastructure in the Ion Traps and Lasers Laboratory, previously used for the measurements carried out with an open-ring Paul trap. We have performed the experiments with 40Ca+ ions, the fluorescence of which are detected through an EMCCD camera. The preparation of the experimental setup including the optical elements for fluorescence detection, as well as the realization of the first measurements, are part of the Master Thesis of Raquel Álvarez conducted and defended during the 2018/2019 academic term. In November 2019 we have observed the first ion crystal performing Doppler cooling.

Figure 1: Picture of the linear Paul trap in operation in the Ion Traps and Lasers Laboratory at the University of Granada. It is possible to see the blade and tip electrodes for radial and axial confinement, respectively. The distance between the tip electrodes is 5.5 mm.

References:

• R. Álvarez, “Montaje del sistema óptico y cámara EMCCD para estudiar el enfriamiento Doppler de iones de 40Ca+ en una trampa lineal de radiofrecuencia; primeros experimentos”
  Trabajo de Fin de Máster, Universidad de Granada (2019).

• J. Berrocal, “Implementación de una trampa lineal para simulaciones del modelo cuántico de Rabi”
  Trabajo de Fin de Máster, Universidad de Granada (2018).