# A compact radiofrequency drive based on interdependent resonant circuits for precise control of ion traps

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a compact, PCB-based RF drive with interdependent resonant circuits for precise, stable control of ion traps, enabling fast switching and active feedback for improved trap stability and micromotion compensation.

## Contribution

The novel RF drive design uses four interdependent resonant circuits on a PCB, providing high-voltage, fast switching, and active feedback capabilities for ion trap control.

## Key findings

- Achieves up to 200 V peak-to-peak at 3.23 MHz
- Fast turn-on/off in less than 10 microseconds
- Enables active RF amplitude and phase control

## Abstract

Paul traps are widely used to confine electrically charged particles like atomic and molecular ions by using an intense radiofrequency (RF) field, typically obtained by a voltage drop on capacitative electrodes placed in vacuum. We present a RF drive realized on a compact printed circuit board (PCB) and providing a high-voltage RF signal to a quadrupole Paul trap. The circuit is formed by four interdependent resonant circuits $-$ each of which connected to an electrode of a Paul trap $-$ fed by low-noise amplifiers, leading to an output voltage of peak-to-peak amplitude up to 200 V at 3.23 MHz. The presence of a single resonant circuit for each electrode ensures a strong control on the voltage drop on each electrode, e.g. by applying a DC field through a bias tee. Additionally, the moderate quality factor Q = 67 of the resonant circuits ensures a fast operation of the drive, which can be turned on and off in less than 10 $\mu$s. Finally, the RF lines are equipped with pick-ups that sample the RF in phase and amplitude, thus providing a signal that can be used to actively control the voltage drop at the trap's electrodes. Thanks to its features, this drive is particularly suited for experiments in which high trap stability and excellent micromotion compensation are required.