Förflyttning av laddade partiklar i en linjär paulfälla

Abstract

A Paul trap is a device that uses oscillating electrical fields to capture charged particles, both microscopically with ions in vaccum-chambers and macroscopically with larger particles in air. It is a powerful tool for teaching students the fundamental principles of electrical fields and their effects on charged particles. Althought the underlying math is complex, the Paul trap provides a way for students to intuit the phenomenon of electric fields. Paul traps have been used previously in teaching applications, but with limited levels of student handling. These traps have either been regular Paul traps, confining a particle in a relatively fixed position in 3D space, or linear Paul traps that captures particles along a line. In this study, a safe and affordable linear Paul trap is constructed as well as a simulation of the device. It can be used as a demonstration tool to show how electric fields can trap charged particles with the main feature being the possiblility for the students to introduce new electric fields to the Paul trap via DC segments, thereby causing controlled movement of the trapped particles. The simulations and the linear Paul trap developed in this study can be a valuable resource for teaching students about electrical fields and their applications in trapping, studying and transporting charged particles.