Open AccessTwo-ion Coulomb crystals of Ca^+ in a Penning trap
Author(s) -
D. R. Crick,
Hamid Ohadi,
I. Bhatti,
R. C. Thompson,
D. M. Segal
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.16.002351
Subject(s) - penning trap , ion trap , ion , atomic physics , trap (plumbing) , coulomb , crystal (programming language) , ion trapping , electron , materials science , physics , nuclear physics , quantum mechanics , meteorology , computer science , programming language
Results demonstrating laser cooling and observation of individual calcium ions in a Penning trap are presented. We show that we are able to trap, cool, image and manipulate the shape of very small ensembles of ions sufficiently well to produce two-ion 'Coulomb crystals' aligned along the magnetic field of a Penning trap. Images are presented which show the individual ions to be resolved in a two-ion crystal. A distinct change in the configuration of such a crystal is observed as the experimental parameters are changed. These structures could eventually be used as building blocks in a Penning trap based quantum computer.