Coulomb Crystals in a Pulse-Excited Linear Paul Trap

Abstract

We present results from recent experiments with laser cooled (24)Mg(+) ions captured in a pulse-excited linear Paul trap. As discussed in 1-3, the radial/transverse dynamics of charged particles in an electric quadrupole trap with a pulsed voltage excitation is analogous to that of particles travelling through the alternating gradient (AG) magnetic quadrupole lattice of a storage ring or transport channel. Hence, the pulse-excited Paul quadrupole trap may be used to emulate non-neutral beam propagation. In a series of experiments, we have investigated the stability of stationary Coulomb crystals. The results comply with current theory of crystalline plasmas and beams. We observe, however, that the plasma may stay crystalline beyond the expected stability region in a hitherto unseen configuration consistent with a string of rotating discs.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 24, 2002
Accession Number
ADP012505

Entities

People

  • K. Moelhave
  • M. Drewsen
  • N. Kjaergaard

Organizations

  • Aarhus University

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aspect Ratio
  • Charged Particles
  • Dual Channel
  • Fluids
  • Frequency
  • Ion Beams
  • Ion Traps
  • Ions
  • Low Temperature
  • Molecular Dynamics
  • Particles
  • Physics
  • Plasma Oscillation
  • Pulse Amplifiers
  • Storage Rings
  • Voltage
  • Waveforms

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Materials Science and Engineering.
  • Plasma Physics / Magnetohydrodynamics

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy