Cryogenic ion trap for minimization of trapped ion loss

A cryogenic linear ion trap was developed for the minimization of the loss of trapped Be+ ions. Buffer gas cooling as well as laser cooling for light element ions was tested in the cryogenic trap. The lifetime for the He-gas- cooled Be+ ions was longer than 15 min with a liquid-He-cooled trap, althou gh they are known to be difficult to cool with a buffer gas in a convention al trap. A laser-cooled ion crystal was maintained for approximately 30 min without any ion loss.