Characterization of a miniature Paul-Straubel trap

Abstract:: Frequency standard applications and ultra-high resolution spectroscopy of a confined single ion require traps of drastically reduced dimensions (about or below 1 mm). These small dimensions increase the sensitivity of the trapping behavior to imperfections in the trap geometry and to patch potentials. For the aim of the metrological laser interrogation of a single Ca⁺ ion, a miniature cylindrical ring trap was built. In order to optimize the laser cooling process and to reach strong binding conditions, the boundaries of the stability diagram and the zones of low confinement as well as the ion motion properties were characterized.