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Journal of Modern Optics

Spectroscopy of Laser-cooled Ions

Richard Claude Thompson, Kishan Dholakia, G. Horváth, W. Power, D. M. Segal

Published Jun 1, 1994• 1 citation
Publisher

Abstract

This paper is a written version of an invited review talk given at the 11th National Quantum Electronics Conference in Belfast in September 1993. It discusses the use of trapped ions for spectroscopy in both the optical and microwave regions of the spectrum. After introductory comments on the advantages offered by ion traps and laser cooling for spectroscopy, we take the the example of spectroscopy of mercury ions to show how many different types of experiment can be performed, with striking results. We also discuss our recent work at Imperial College, which can be seen as spectroscopy of the ion trap itself, giving information on the dynamics of the trapped ions.

DOI
10.1080/09500349414551041

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This paper is a written version of an invited review talk given at the 11th National Quantum Electronics Conference in Belfast in September 1993. It discusses the use of trapped ions for spectroscopy in both the optical and microwave regions of the spectrum. After introductory comments on the advantages offered by ion traps and laser cooling for spectroscopy, we take the the example of spectroscopy of mercury ions to show how many different types of experiment can be performed, with striking results. We also discuss our recent work at Imperial College, which can be seen as spectroscopy of the ion trap itself, giving information on the dynamics of the trapped ions.
A review is given of the use of trapped atomic ions for spectroscopy and for quantum optics. The article discusses the principles of operation of the different types of traps, and their advantages for work in these fields, including the use of laser cooling of trapped ions. Aspects of laser cooling are demonstrated with the help of a numerical simulation program. Then the use of spectroscopic techniques to study the oscillation frequencies of trapped ions is discussed. Finally a number of different experiments illustrating the application of trapped ions to quantum optics are presented.
Trapped and laser-cooled ions are increasingly used for a variety of modern high-precision experiments, for frequency standard applications, and for quantum information processing. Therefore laser cooling of trapped ions is reviewed, the current state of the art is reported, and several new cooling techniques are outlined. The principles of ion trapping and the basic concepts of laser cooling for trapped atoms are introduced. The underlying physical mechanisms are presented, and basic experiments are briefly sketched. Particular attention is paid to recent progress by elucidating several milestone experiments. In addition, a number of special cooling techniques pertaining to trapped ions are reviewed; open questions and future research lines are indicated.
In an iontrap,laser-cooled ions can be confined in a small space in an ultra-high vacuum so that collisions rarely happen and the ions are well isolated from the environment. Since these conditions enable high-resolution spectroscopy of single ions, laser-cooled ions are suitable for use in developing frequency standards. The ions can be cooled to the motional ground state to give a well-defined initial quantum state for quantum state manipulation and quantum computing. In this review, principles of ion traps and laser cooling, and recent progress in optical frequency standards and quantum computing with trapped ions are described.
New developments in spectroscopy and quantum optics with stored ions are summarized and discussed. Currently used ion trap devices are briefly described, and newly proposed cooling techniques are indicated. Recent results in precision spectroscopy are reviewed with particular emphasis on time and frequency standards. New applications of stored ions in the field of quantum optics are proposed such as the preparation of nonclassical states of motion in an ion trap. These can be detected by observation of the quantum collapse and revival phenomenon.