Schematic diagram of the proposed coupling of the traveling wave decelerator with the linear Paul ion trap.
The future of this experiment will couple a stark decelerator to the ion trap apparatus. The stark decelerator extends our excellent degree of control to include the neutral reactants. We will be able to tune the collision velocities between neutral and ionic reactants allowing unprecedented studies of reaction dynamics from room temperature all the way down to <10K. This project needs YOUR help! Interested students should inquire with Prof. Heather Lewandowski (lewandoh@colorado.edu) for open positions.
The Physics Frontiers Centers (PFC) program supports university-based centers and institutes where the collective efforts of a larger group of individuals can enable transformational advances in the most promising research areas. The program is designed to foster major breakthroughs at the intellectual frontiers of physics by providing needed resources such as combinations of talents, skills, disciplines, and/or specialized infrastructure, not usually available to individual investigators or small groups, in an environment in which the collective efforts of the larger group can be shown to be seminal to promoting significant progress in the science and the education of students. PFCs also include creative, substantive activities aimed at enhancing education, broadening participation of traditionally underrepresented groups, and outreach to the scientific community and general public.