Spin and motion dynamics with zigzag ion crystals in transverse magnetic gradients

Abstract

We investigate the dynamics of ion crystals in zigzag configuration in transverse magnetic field gradients. A surface-electrode Paul trap is employed to trap 40Ca+ ions and features submerged current wires to generate magnetic field gradients of up to 16.3(9) T m−1 at the ions position. With the gradient aligned in the direction perpendicular to the axis of weakest confinement, along which linear ion crystals are formed, we demonstrate magnetic field gradient induced coupling between the spin and ion motion. We perform sideband spectroscopy upon directly driving the spins with a radiofrequency field for crystals of three ions on their linear-to-zigzag structural transition. Furthermore, we observe the rich excitation spectrum of vibrational modes in a planar crystal comprised of four ions.