A hybrid ion-atom trap with integrated high resolution mass spectrometer

Abstract

In this article we describe the design, construction and implementation of our ion-atom hybrid system incorporating a high resolution time of flight mass spectrometer (TOFMS). Potassium atoms (${}^{39}$K) in a Magneto Optical Trap (MOT) and laser cooled calcium ions (${}^{40}$Ca${}^{+}$) in a linear Paul trap are spatially overlapped and the combined trap is integrated with a TOFMS for radial extraction and detection of reaction products. We also present some experimental results showing interactions between ${}^{39}$K${}^{+}$ and ${}^{39}$K, ${}^{40}$Ca${}^{+}$ and ${}^{39}$K${}^{+}$ as well as ${}^{40}$Ca${}^{+}$ and ${}^{39}$K pairs. Finally, we discuss prospects for cooling CaH${}^{+}$ molecular ions in the hybrid ion-atom system.