Abstract
The properties of single atomic ions allow them to be used as sensitive probes to measure a multitude of physical effects, ranging from light field distributions to weak force fields, for example electric or magnetic fields. However trapping and controlling ions reliably calls for a more or less encompassing electrode configuration, that depending on the realization can block a substantial amount of access to the ion. Here we present a novel radio-frequency (rf) ion trap geometry that reduces the solid angle obstructed by trap electrodes to a minimum. Since access and proper ion confinement are inherently opposing goals, we realized three different traps with access ranging from 71% to 96% of 4π to characterize the trade-offs. Fabrication, characterization, as well as promising applications of similar traps in quantum optics and field sensing are discussed.
© 2009 IEEE
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