A tandem linear Paul trap as an ion source

Abstract

Argon ions were produced by electron impact ionization in a linear Paul trap and confined there directly. The ions with a specific charge state (Ar + and Ar2+ in this report) were successfully extracted as a pulsed beam by using another linear Paul trap as a mass filter. In principle, this technique is applicable for various highly charged ions generated and trapped in an ion source. The tandem linear Paul trap described here can also be employed, with the help of laser cooling, to produce nano-ion beams. © 2009 IOP Publishing Ltd.