2 research outputs found
Trapped-ion probing of light-induced charging effects on dielectrics
We use a string of confined Ca ions to measure perturbations to a
trapping potential which are caused by light-induced charging of an
anti-reflection coated window and of insulating patches on the ion-trap
electrodes. The electric fields induced at the ions' position are characterised
as a function of distance to the dielectric, and as a function of the incident
optical power and wavelength. The measurement of the ion-string position is
sensitive to as few as elementary charges per on the
dielectric at distances of order millimetres, and perturbations are observed
for illumination with light of wavelengths as long as 729\,nm. This has
important implications for the future of miniaturised ion-trap experiments,
notably with regards to the choice of electrode material, and the optics that
must be integrated in the vicinity of the ion. The method presented can be
readily applied to the investigation of charging effects beyond the context of
ion trap experiments.Comment: 11 pages, 5 figure
Phase-coherent detection of an optical dipole force by Doppler velocimetry
We report phase-coherent Doppler detection of optical dipole forces using
large ion crystals in a Penning trap. The technique is based on laser Doppler
velocimetry using a cycling transition in Be near 313 nm and the
center-of-mass (COM) ion motional mode. The optical dipole force is tuned to
excite the COM mode, and measurements of photon arrival times synchronized with
the excitation potential show oscillations with a period commensurate with the
COM motional frequency. Experimental results compare well with a quantitative
model for a driven harmonic oscillator. This technique permits characterization
of motional modes in ion crystals; the measurement of both frequency and phase
information relative to the driving force is a key enabling capability --
comparable to lockin detection -- providing access to a parameter that is
typically not available in time-averaged measurements. This additional
information facilitates discrimination of nearly degenerate motional modes.Comment: Related manuscripts at http://www.physics.usyd.edu.au/~mbiercuk