Frequency standard applications and ultra-high resolution spectroscopy of a
confined single ion require traps of drastically reduced dimensions (about
or below 1 mm). These small dimensions increase the sensitivity of the tra
pping behavior to imperfections in the trap geometry and to patch potential
s. For the aim of the metrological laser interrogation of a single Ca+ ion,
a miniature cylindrical ring trap was built. In order to optimize the lase
r cooling process and to reach strong binding conditions, the boundaries of
the stability diagram and the zones of low confinement as well as the ion
motion properties were characterized.