Simulation studies of the laser ablation ion source at the SHIPTRAP setup

Abstract

A gas-filled miniature Radio-Frequency Quadrupole (mini-RFQ) was recently implemented into the SHIPTRAP laser ablation ion source to thermalize the laser-ablated ions and thus improve production efficiency as well as sample preparation. This source provides reference ions of various elements for online experiments with the SHIPTRAP mass spectrometer. In addition, it can be used to provide long-lived rare and radioactive isotopes available only in small sample sizes for high-precision mass measurements or to study systematic uncertainties. The performance of the laser ablation ion source was simulated using the COMSOL Multiphysics modeling software package. These studies indicate that a revised mechanical geometry and an optimized RF field improve the performance significantly.

Motional quantum metrology in a Penning trap

“…Such a configuration anticipates that it will be possible to form an unbalanced 48 Ca + -40 Ca + ion crystal prior to the 232 Th + -40 Ca + one, to carry out a proof of principle experiment. A mini radiofrequency quadrupole (RFQ) structure [43] built by the group of Michael Block, is currently under commissioning in the beamline to produce and inject 232 Th + ions in the Penning trap. Besides thorium ions, the mini-RFQ will allow injecting other ion species produced from metallic samples by laser ablation (for laser ablation see, e.g., [44]).…”

Direct mass measurements of No, Lr and Rf isotopes with SHIPTRAP and developments for chemical isobaric separation

“…In order to increase the sensitivity for offline experiments on rare isotopes, simulation studies of the laser-ablation ion source were performed and details can be found in Ref. [65].…”