Mono-Ion Research VII: Penning Trap Mass Spectrometer

University Of Washington, Seattle WA

Investigators

Abstract

Using only radio-frequency (RF) methods for observing the normal mode frequencies of a single isolated ion, bound to a small electro-magnetic cage called a Penning trap, it has become possible to measure masses of low mass-to-charge ions relative to a multi-charged carbon ion with a precision that exceeds one part in 10 to the 11th in 24 hours. This work will focus on the development of a reliable apparatus that allows any ion of a volatilized element to be loaded from an external ion source into this Penning trap mass spectrometer. The first application of this external loader will be to alternately inject tritium and helium-3 ions directly into the trap in order to measure their mass difference. The broader impact of the program involves the education of both graduate and undergraduate students as well as applications to mass detection techniques.