Ion–neutral-atom sympathetic cooling in a hybrid linear rf Paul and magneto-optical trap

摘要

Long-range polarization forces between ions and neutral atoms result in large elastic scattering cross sectionsn(e.g.,∼106 a.u. for Na-Na+ or Na-Ca+ at cold and ultracold temperatures). This suggests that a hybrid ion-neutralntrap should offer a general means for significant sympathetic cooling of atomic or molecular ions. We presentnSIMION 7.0 simulation results concerning the advantages and limitations of sympathetic cooling within a hybridntrap apparatus consisting of a linear rf Paul trap concentric with a Na magneto-optical trap (MOT). This papernexplores the impact of various heating mechanisms on the hybrid system and how parameters related to the MOT,nPaul trap, number of ions, and ion species affect the efficiency of the sympathetic cooling.