Atomic & Molecular Physics
Paultraps - Hyperbolic Paul Trap

    

left: Photograph of a Paul trap
right: Simulated ion trajectory in the (r,z) plane of a Paul trap


Hyperbolic Paul Traps confine ions in the center of the trap formed by one ring electrode and two endcap electrodes. The trap yields to rational symmetry and therefore confinement is possible by appling the RF potential between the endcaps and the ring electrode.