1. End of 2007 SPECTRAP’ is being built in London to trap Ca+ ions with real imaging capabilities Early RF operation expected Jan 2008 Penning operation Feb/Mar 2008

2. Experimental Plans 1.RF trap ● less complex system to start debugging a new trap ● initial tests with Calcium using existing Laser system ● optimise internal/external optics and loading parameters 2. Penning trap ● investigate cloud compression using the rotating wall technique for which we already have the electronic driver in London ● look for fluorescence from Pb + weak infrared transition at 710 nm to gain experience of low LIF levels

3. Progress.. Complete vacuum system assembled and tested - pressure ~10 -9 mbar Trap with internal optics assembled and aligned - knife edge test Calcium oven and filament attached – electron current to all electrodes detected and glow from oven observed RF electronics operational - 500V@1MHz (q=0.7) or 2.6MHz

5. Progress.. Complete vacuum system assembled and tested - pressure ~10 -9 mbar Trap with internal optics assembled and aligned - knife edge test Calcium oven and filament attached – electron current to all electrodes detected and glow from oven observed RF electronics operational - 500V@1MHz (q=0.7) or 2.6MHz

6. Spherical mirror => enhancement of light collection efficiency from 1.3% to 2.5%

8. Progress.. Complete vacuum system assembled and tested - pressure ~10 -9 mbar Trap with internal optics assembled and aligned - knife edge test Calcium oven and filament attached – electron current to all electrodes detected and glow from oven observed RF electronics operational - 500V@1MHz (q=0.7) or 2.6MHz

10. Progress.. Complete vacuum system assembled and tested - pressure ~10 -9 mbar Trap with internal optics assembled and aligned - knife edge test Calcium oven and filament attached – electron current to all electrodes detected and glow from oven observed RF electronics operational - 500V@1MHz (q=0.7) or 2.6MHz

11. Last week.. First trials in RF operation - Ca+ ions not optically observed Possible problems - wavelengths? verified by PADTRAP - focal position of laser beams in trap? - position of detector pinhole? - Calcium oven not emitting as expected? - pressure in vacuum system not good enough?

12. Outlook 2-3 weeks optical detection of Ca+ in RF operation Setup of external optics for superconducting magnet - fibre optic bundle, folding mirrors etc. 1-2 months begin Penning trap trials.

14. Ion Trapping @ Imperial College Ca + ion in a 0.98 Tesla trapping field 5 reds at present