An Integrated Mirror and Surface Ion Trap with a Tunable Trap Location

TL;DR

This paper presents a novel surface ion trap integrated with a mirror that allows precise, nanometer-scale tuning of the trap location and investigates surface charging effects under UV exposure.

Contribution

The work introduces a surface ion trap on a reflective mirror with a secondary RF electrode set for adjustable trap positioning, enabling enhanced control and characterization.

Findings

Achieved nanometer-scale trap position tuning.

Demonstrated position-dependent photon scattering measurement.

Characterized dielectric surface charging effects.

Abstract

We report a demonstration of a surface ion trap fabricated directly on a highly reflective mirror surface, which includes a secondary set of radio frequency (RF) electrodes allowing for translation of the quadrupole RF null location. We introduce a position-dependent photon scattering rate for a $^{174}$Yb$^+$ ion in the direction perpendicular to the trap surface using a standing wave of retroreflected light off the mirror surface directly below the trap. Using this setup, we demonstrate the capability of fine-tuning the RF trap location with nanometer scale precision and characterize the charging effects of the dielectric mirror surface upon exposure to ultra-violet light.