# Characterisation of a charged particle levitated nano-oscillator

## TL;DR

This paper reports the development and detailed characterization of a nano-oscillator using a Paul trap, demonstrating its frequency and temperature stability, charge stability over weeks, and precise mass measurement capabilities.

## Contribution

It introduces a stable nano-oscillator with measurable charge and mass, enabling differentiation of nanostructures, advancing nano-mechanical sensing technologies.

## Key findings

- Frequency stability of 2 ppm/hr
- Charge stability over two weeks
- Mass measurement with 3% uncertainty

## Abstract

We describe the construction and characterisation of a nano-oscillator formed by a Paul trap. The frequency and temperature stability of the nano-oscillator was measured over several days allowing us to identify the major sources of trap and environmental fluctuations. We measure an overall frequency stability of 2 ppm/hr and a temperature stability of more than 5 hours via the Allan deviation. Importantly, we find that the charge on the nanoscillator is stable over a timescale of at least two weeks and that the mass of the oscillator, can be measured with a 3 % uncertainty. This allows us to distinguish between the trapping of a single nanosphere and a nano-dumbbell formed by a cluster of two nanospheres.