Localization of ions within one-, two- and three-dimensional Coulomb crystals by a standing wave optical potential

Abstract

We demonstrate light-induced localization of Coulomb-interacting particles in multi-dimensional structures. Subwavelength localization of ions within small multi-dimensional Coulomb crystals by an intracavity optical standing wave field is evidenced by measuring the difference in scattering inside symmetrically red-and blue-detuned optical lattices and is observed even for ions undergoing substantial radial micromotion. These results are promising steps towards the structural control of ion Coulomb crystals by optical fields as well as for complex many-body simulations with ion crystals or for the investigation of heat transfer at the nanoscale, and have potential applications for ion-based cavity quantum electrodynamics, cavity optomechanics and ultracold ion chemistry.

Quantum Sensors for the Generating Functional of Interacting Quantum Field Theories

“…As a result of the competition between the Coulomb repulsion and the trap confinement, the ions can self-assemble in Coulomb crystals of different geometries when the temperatures get sufficiently low [52]. In this article, we shall be interested in linear and zigzag crystal configurations, which are routinely obtained in linear Paul traps [53] and, more recently, also in a combination of a Paul trap and an optical lattice [54], which shall be referred to as a sub-wavelength Paul trap. In addition, the recent experiments showing the crystallization of ion rings in segmented ring traps [55] could also explore different crystal configurations.…”