ContactIon traps allow the confinement and observation of
charged particles over long periods of time. The motions and quantum states of
stored ions can be manipulated with a variety of sophisticated techniques and
the ground state properties of the particles extracted very precisely.
Furthermore, ion traps allow the synthesis of exotic antimatter systems
which do not occur naturally. Ultra-high-precision measurements performed
in ion traps can make significant contributions to a wide range of fundamental
studies and rival those obtained with large-scale particle physics facilities.
In recognition of their seminal work on the development of ion traps and
trapping techniques, Wolfgang Paul and Hans Dehmelt were awarded the Nobel prize
in Physics in 1989. As new experimental challenges in the study of exotic
systems arise, the techniques used for capture, cooling, and mixing of ion
species have to be constantly improved and refined.
The University of Heidelberg, in close collaboration with the Gesellschaft für
Schwerionenforschung (GSI) in Darmstadt and the University of Mainz, has a long
and successful track record of research with ion traps.
Current activities include the Penning trap mass spectrometer ISOLTRAP at
CERN and the planned measurement of the g factor of the bound electron in
hydrogen-like calcium.
More recently, the Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics has become a key
participant in the design and construction of the GSI future project, which will
make available low-energy, high-intensity beams of exotic atoms and
antiprotons at the projected FLAIR facility.
The research group "Precision experiments with stored ions and antimatter"
under the supervision of Dr. Alban Kellerbauer carries out a broad range of
research activities both in Heidelberg and at international large-scale
facilities. With the help of graduate students enrolled at the University of
Heidelberg, state-of-the-art precision measurements of ground state properties
are carried out and novel storage and cooling techniques are developed.
All current and planned projects are embedded in international networks and
collaborations in order to encourage the exchange of innovative ideas and to
favor the training and mobility of young researchers.