Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Advances in research in fields such as quantum information and quantum chemistry require subtle methods for trapping particles, including ions, neutral atoms, and molecules. Here, we propose a hybrid ion-trapping method that combines a Paul trap with optical tweezers. This trap incorporates both the deep-potential characteristic of the Paul trap and the micromotion-free nature of the optical dipole trap. By modulating the optical dipole trap synchronously with the radio-frequency voltage of the Paul trap, the alternating electrical force in the trap center is fully counteracted, and the micromotion temperature of a cold trapped ion can reach the nanokelvin scale, while the trap depth exceeds 300 K. These features will allow cold collisions between an ion and an atom in the $s$-wave regime and stably trap the produced molecular ion in the cold hybrid system. This provides a unique platform for probing the interactions between the ions and the surrounding neutral particles and enables the investigation of new reaction pathways and reaction products in the cold regime.
Source: Physical Review Applied
Authors: Jin-Ming Cui, Shi-Jia Sun, Xi-Wang Luo, Yun-Feng Huang, Chuan-Feng Li, Guang-Can Guo
Institution: University of Science and Technology of China
Language: English
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4410401827