Hannover 2010 – scientific programme
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Q: Fachverband Quantenoptik und Photonik
Q 21: Poster I
Q 21.46: Poster
Tuesday, March 9, 2010, 16:00–19:00, Lichthof
Light-induced charging effects on dielectric surfaces in the vincinity of trapped ions — •Maximilian Harlander1, Wolfgang Hänsel2, Michael Brownnutt1, and Rainer Blatt1,2 — 1Institut für Experimentalphysik, Universität Innsbruck — 2Institut für Quantenoptik und Quanteninformation der Akademie der österreichischen Wissenschaften
Microfabricated ion traps are discussed as one of the most promising candidates for a quantum mechanical computer. Reducing the electrode-ion distance offers a rich selection of trapping potentials and arrays of traps can, in principle, be operated in parallel. However, the proximity of the electrodes and other surfaces poses strong constraints on the materials used. In particular, near-by glass surfaces that may be used for high-finesse cavities around the ions or for light collection represent a challenge, since the dielectric surfaces may charge up and perturb the trapping potential. Furthermore, thin oxide layers formed on the electrodes of the ion trap may accumulate charges and contribute to this perturbation.
By bringing a glass substrate close to a surface ion trap, the charging has been studied in a controlled manner. Two distinct mechanisms of charging have been observed, both being light-induced with different wavelength dependence. The results allow an estimate of the rate of charge production and will prove useful for future designs of integrated microscopic ion traps.