Ion Traps and the Memory Effect for Periodic Gravitational Waves

TL;DR

This paper explores the connection between ion traps, gravitational waves, and celestial mechanics through the mathematical framework of anisotropic oscillators, revealing new insights into their underlying physical relationships.

Contribution

It establishes a novel link between ion trap models and periodic gravitational waves, enriching the understanding of their mathematical and physical similarities.

Findings

Ion traps relate to linearly polarized gravitational waves.

Modified traps correspond to circularly polarized gravitational waves.

Equations governing traps also describe celestial mechanics phenomena.

Abstract

The Eisenhart lift of a Paul Trap used to store ions in molecular physics is a linearly polarized periodic gravitational wave. A modified version of Dehmelt's Penning Trap is in turn related to circularly polarized periodic gravitational waves, sought for in inflationary models. Similar equations rule also the Lagrange points in Celestial Mechanics. The explanation is provided by anisotropic oscillators.