A hybrid ion-atom trap with integrated high resolution mass spectrometer

Abstract

© 2019 Author(s). In this article, we describe the design, construction, and implementation of our ion-atom hybrid system incorporating a high resolution time of flight mass spectrometer (TOFMS). Potassium atoms (39K) in a magneto optical trap and laser cooled calcium ions (40Ca+) in a linear Paul trap are spatially overlapped, and the combined trap is integrated with a TOFMS for radial extraction and detection of reaction products. We also present some experimental results showing interactions between 39K+ and 39K, 40Ca+ and 39K+, as well as 40Ca+ and 39K pairs. Finally, we discuss prospects for cooling CaH+ molecular ions in the hybrid ion-atom system.