Off-resonance excitation in a linear ion trap

Off-resonance excitation coupled with mass-selective axial ejection of ions in a linear ion trap is shown to allow coherent control of a trapped ion population. Oscillations of the detected ion current have been found to correspond to the degree of detuning of the excitation field from the resonance frequency. Under appropriate excitation conditions coherent oscillations at the excitation frequency are seen that evolve into the ions' secular frequency on termination of the excitation field. Termination of the excitation field at various points during the off-resonance excitation profile leaves the ions with different degrees of radial excitation. The degree of radial excitation can be controlled by the coherent excitation field and is demonstrated to be useful for collision-induced dissociation.