Abstract

We have recently constructed an ion trapping and laser cooling system at Imperial College suitable for magnesium ions. This system consists of a Penning ion trap contained within an all-metal vacuum system maintained below 3 × 10⁻¹⁰ mbar. Also enclosed in the vacuum system are small magnesium beam ovens made of tantalum foil and resistively heated by a current of typically 6 A. The ring electrode (see Fig. 1) is kept at a negative potential with respect to the endcaps, and the magnetic field of ~1 T perpendicular to the plane of the ring causes the ions to move in closed orbits within the trap.

© 1990 Optical Society of America