Control of charged particle beams is a cornerstone of modern experimental physics. In this project, you will design, fabricate, and implement electrostatic elements to precisely guide beams of H₂⁺ ions. These ion beams are essential for precision tests of fundamental physics and serve as the vital first step in obtaining a sample of molecular ions in selected ro-vibrational states for subsequent precision spectroscopy.
You have the flexibility to choose the specific focus of your project. Options include guiding the ion beam through a microwave waveguide for spectroscopy of hyperfine levels or injecting it into an alkali gas charge exchange cell to produce neutral metastable H₂.
The work will include the design of ion optics elements using CAD software, work with ultrahigh vacuum, programming of an experimental control system to apply (high) voltages and read images/voltages from particle detectors, simulating ion trajectories and collision cross sections, and many more.
This project offers a unique opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research with significant implications for our understanding of fundamental physics.