# Stern-Gerlach splitting of low-energy ion beams

## TL;DR

This paper explores the feasibility of using magnetic field configurations to achieve spin-dependent splitting of low-energy ion beams via the Stern-Gerlach effect, a phenomenon not yet demonstrated with charged particles.

## Contribution

It proposes a novel approach combining microstructured magnetic fields and existing ion source technology to realize coherent spin-splitting of charged particles.

## Key findings

- Measurable spin-splittings are predicted through analytical and numerical methods.
- Various magnetic field configurations can produce the desired splitting.
- The study accounts for all relevant forces affecting ion trajectories.

## Abstract

We present a feasibility study with several magnetic field configurations for creating spin-dependent forces that can split a low-energy ion beam by the Stern-Gerlach effect. To the best of our knowledge, coherent spin-splittings of charged particles have yet to be realised. Our proposal is based on ion source parameters taken from a recent experiment that demonstrated single-ion implantation from a high-brightness ion source combined with a radio-frequency Paul trap. The inhomogeneous magnetic fields can be created by permanently magnetised microstructures or from current-carrying wires with sizes in the micron range, such as those recently used in a successful implementation of the Stern-Gerlach effect with neutral atoms. All relevant forces (Lorentz force and image charges) are taken into account, and measurable splittings are found by analytical and numerical calculations.