PENTATRAP: A novel cryogenic multi-Penning trap experiment for high-precision mass measurements on highly charged ions

TL;DR

PENTATRAP is a highly precise cryogenic multi-Penning trap system designed for advanced mass measurements of highly charged ions, enabling tests of fundamental physics and neutrino-related phenomena.

Contribution

The paper introduces PENTATRAP, a novel five-Penning trap setup with unique features for ultra-precise mass spectrometry of highly charged ions.

Findings

Development of a cryogenic multi-trap system

Achieving accuracy of a few parts in 10^12 for mass ratios

Potential for fundamental physics tests

Abstract

The novel five-Penning trap mass spectrometer PENTATRAP is developed at the Max-Planck-Institut f\"ur Kernphysik (MPIK), Heidelberg. Ions of interest are long-lived highly charged nuclides up to bare uranium. PENTATRAP aims for an accuracy of a few parts in 10^12 for mass ratios of mass doublets. A physics program for PENTATRAP includes Q-values measurements of \beta-transitions relevant for neutrino physics, stringent tests of quantum electrodynamics in the regime of extreme electric fields, and a test of special relativity. Main features of PENTATRAP are an access to a source of highly charged ions, a multi-trap configuration, simultaneous measurements of frequencies, a continuous precise monitoring of magnetic field fluctuations, a fast exchange between different ions, and a highly sensitive cryogenic non-destructive detection system. This paper gives a motivation for the new mass spectrometer PENTATRAP, presents its experimental setup, and describes the present status.