Ion trapping is useful for mass spectrometry, atomic clocks, and quantum computing. This poster discusses the investigation and characterization of a mechanical analogue to the Paul-type RF-electricquadrupole ion trap: a ball on a spinning saddle. Both systems require a frequency of oscillation greater than a certain critical frequency in order to act as a trap. The research demonstrates successful shortterm (>10 s) confinement of a ball to the spinning saddle, and presents theoretical trajectories for literature motion models, including and disregarding friction. These trajectories were compared to experimental trajectories and both models were found lacking to describe the experimental motion. This research also investigates the differences in motion for different ball types and finds them to have different critical frequencies of confinement.
Laura Wetzel, ’16
Stevens Point, WI
Physics
Sponsor: Derin Sherman