Optimised focusing ion optics for an ultracold deterministic single ion source targeting nm resolution

Abstract

Using a segmented ion trap with mK laser-cooled ions we have realised a novel single ion source which can deterministically deliver a wide range of ion species, isotopes or ionic molecules [Schnitzler et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 2009, 102, 070501]. Experimental data is discussed in detail and compared with numerical simulations of ion trajectories. For the novel ion source we numerically investigate the influence of various extraction parameters on fluctuations in velocity and position of the beam. We present specialised ion optics and show from numerical simulations that a nm spatial resolution is achievable. The Paul trap, which is used as a single ion source, together with the presented ion optics, constitutes a promising candidate for a deterministic ion implantation method for applications in solid state quantum computing or classical nano-electronic devices.

Keywords:

• laser cooling
• deterministic single ion source
• ion optics

Acknowledgements

We acknowledge financial support by the Landesstiftung Baden-Württemberg in the framework ‘atomics’ (Contract No. PN 63.14) and the ‘Eliteprogramm Postdoktorandinnen und Postdoktoranden’, the European commission within EMALI (Contract No. MRTN-CT-2006-035369) and the VolkswagenStiftung.

Notes

Note

1. Note that the 1σ-expression is always used to express that 68% of the studied data lies within the given interval, although some results are not perfectly reproduced by a Gaussian distribution.