Localization of ions within one-, two- and three-dimensional Coulomb crystals by a standing wave optical potential

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the subwavelength localization of ions in multi-dimensional Coulomb crystals using a standing wave optical potential, advancing control over ion structures for quantum and nanoscale applications.

Contribution

It introduces a method for localizing ions in Coulomb crystals with optical standing waves, even with significant radial micromotion, enabling new control techniques.

Findings

Successful subwavelength ion localization in multi-dimensional crystals.

Localization observed in both red- and blue-detuned optical lattices.

Potential applications in quantum electrodynamics and nanoscale heat transfer.

Abstract

We demonstrate light-induced localization of Coulomb-interacting particles in multi-dimensional structures. Subwavelength localization of ions within small multi-dimensional Coulomb crystals by an intracavity optical standing wave field is evidenced by measuring the difference in scattering inside symmetrically red- and blue-detuned optical lattices and is observed even for ions undergoing substantial radial micromotion. These results are promising steps towards the structural control of ion Coulomb crystals by optical fields as well as for complex many-body simulations with ion crystals or for the investigation of heat transfer at the nanoscale, and have potential applications for ion-based cavity quantum electrodynamics, cavity optomechanics and ultracold ion chemistry.