Two-ion Coulomb crystals of Ca + in a Penning trap.
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.
Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, Prince Consort Rd., London SW7 2AZ, UK.
D R
DR
Crick
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H
Ohadi
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I
Bhatti
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Thompson
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Segal