A sub-4 Kelvin radio frequency linear multipole wire trap

Area of Science:

• Physical Chemistry
• Atomic and Molecular Physics
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Cryogenic ion spectroscopy requires extremely low temperatures for high sensitivity.
• Conventional multipole ion traps face limitations in achieving and maintaining ultra-low temperatures and optical access.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a novel linear cryogenic 16-pole wire ion trap.
• To evaluate its performance for cryogenic ion spectroscopy at temperatures below 4 K.
• To compare its trapping potential with conventional designs.

Main Methods:

• Construction of a linear 16-pole wire ion trap with temperature-variable capabilities.
• Operation with different buffer gases and measurement of temperature during radio frequency operation.
• Characterization of the effective trapping potential.
• Time-of-flight mass spectrometry of helium tagged protonated glycine ions.

Main Results:

• The developed trap operates effectively at temperatures below 4 K.
• It provides large optical access perpendicular to the ion beam.
• Time-of-flight mass spectra demonstrate very low ion temperatures.
• The trap is suitable for sensitive cryogenic ion spectroscopy.

Conclusions:

• The linear cryogenic 16-pole wire ion trap is a successful advancement for ultra-low temperature ion spectroscopy.
• Its design overcomes limitations of conventional traps, enabling sensitive spectroscopic studies.
• The demonstrated low ion temperatures validate its suitability for advanced research.