LAUSR

We evaluate the performance of multipole, linear Paul traps for the purpose of studying cold ion–atom collisions. A combination of numerical simulations and analysis based on the virial theorem is used to draw conclusions on the differences that result, by considering the trapping details of several multipole trap types. Starting with an analysis of how a low energy collision takes place between a fully compensated, ultracold trapped ion and an stationary atom, we show that a higher order multipole trap is, in principle, advantageous in terms of collisional heating. The virial analysis of multipole traps then follows, along with the computation of trapped ion trajectories in the quadrupole, hexapole, octopole and do-decapole radio frequency traps. A detailed analysis of the motion of trapped ions as a function of the amplitude, phase and stability of the ion’s motion is used to evaluate the experimental prospects for such traps. The present analysis has the virtue of providing definitive answers for the merits of the various configurations, using first principles.