Compact FPGA-based pulse-sequencer and radio-frequency generator for experiments with trapped atoms

TL;DR

This paper introduces a compact FPGA-based device that functions as a pulse sequencer and RF generator, optimized for experiments with trapped atoms and ions, featuring high timing resolution, multiple channels, and versatile RF control.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel integrated FPGA-based platform combining pulse sequencing and RF generation with high precision and multiple channels for atomic physics experiments.

Findings

Supports at least 32 TTL channels with 40 ns timing resolution

Includes 16 DDS RF sources with fast amplitude switching

Provides sub-mHz frequency tuning from 0 to 800 MHz

Abstract

We present a compact FPGA-based pulse sequencer and radio-frequency (RF) generator suitable for experiments with cold trapped ions and atoms. The unit is capable of outputting a pulse sequence with at least 32 TTL channels with a timing resolution of 40 ns and contains a built-in 100 MHz frequency counter for counting electrical pulses from a photo-multiplier tube (PMT). There are 16 independent direct-digital-synthesizers (DDS) RF sources with fast (rise-time of ~60 ns) amplitude switching and sub-mHz frequency tuning from 0 to 800 MHz.