Nonlinear effects induced in the normalized ion density in a linear trap system for a large ion cloud.

Abstract

In this work, we design, by means of a non-neutral plasma method, a linear trapping model for large ion clouds, which will become the core of an atomic clock. We first obtain the geometry and electromagnetic characteristics of the ion trap. We then perform a systematic analysis describing the main parameters of the ion cloud such as size, secular frequency, and ion number per unit length of temperature. The most appropriate operation point of the ion trap in a set of these specific parameters is evaluated, and a thorough discussion is performed about how minor perturbations introduced in these parameters affect, in a nonlinear response, the performance of the trapping system in sensibility, heating, and radiofrequency potential.