# A hybrid ion-atom trap with integrated high resolution mass spectrometer

## TL;DR

This paper presents a novel hybrid ion-atom trapping system integrated with a high resolution TOF mass spectrometer, enabling detailed study of ion-atom interactions and potential molecular ion cooling.

## Contribution

The work introduces a new hybrid trapping setup combining MOT, linear Paul trap, and TOFMS, allowing precise detection of reaction products in ion-atom experiments.

## Key findings

- Observation of interactions between potassium atoms and calcium ions.
- Detection of reaction products involving different ion-atom pairs.
- Discussion on cooling prospects for molecular ions in the system.

## Abstract

In this article we describe the design, construction and implementation of our ion-atom hybrid system incorporating a high resolution time of flight mass spectrometer (TOFMS). Potassium atoms ($^{39}$K) in a Magneto Optical Trap (MOT) and laser cooled calcium ions ($^{40}$Ca$^+$) in a linear Paul trap are spatially overlapped and the combined trap is integrated with a TOFMS for radial extraction and detection of reaction products. We also present some experimental results showing interactions between $^{39}$K$^+$ and $^{39}$K, $^{40}$Ca$^+$ and $^{39}$K$^+$ as well as $^{40}$Ca$^+$ and $^{39}$K pairs. Finally, we discuss prospects for cooling CaH$^+$ molecular ions in the hybrid ion-atom system.