Ion Trap Electrode Compensation for Constant Radial Frequencies

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ion trap devices experience voltage drop along the shuttling path, affecting radial motion frequencies of ions and making it difficult to maintain stable shuttling sequences, and there is a need for scalable solutions to trap a larger number of ions.

Innovation Solution

The device incorporates a structured electrode layer with varying widths and configurations of RF and DC electrodes, along with electronic circuitry to adjust DC voltages based on distance from the RF feeding point, ensuring constant radial frequencies and stable shuttling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If RF signals are fed into a feeding point of an ion trap device, then ions can be trapped and controlled, but a voltage drop occurs along the shuttling path affecting radial motion frequencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrapping stabilityVSAvoidradial motion frequency stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by varying the width of RF electrodes and adjusting DC electrode voltages at different positions along the shuttling path. Specifically, RF electrode widths are modified locally to compensate for voltage drops, and DC electrode voltages are adjusted based on their distance from the feeding point, ensuring that radial motion frequencies remain stable throughout the entire shuttling path despite the inherent voltage drop from the feeding point

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Quantity of substance

If ion trap devices are scaled to trap a larger number of ions, then trapping capacity increases, but maintaining stable shuttling sequences becomes more difficult due to voltage drops

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of trapped ionsVSAvoidshuttling sequence stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter changes by systematically varying RF electrode widths and DC electrode voltages along the shuttling path. As the device scales to trap more ions, the electrode geometry parameters (widths) and electrical parameters (voltages) are adjusted according to their position, allowing the device to maintain stable shuttling sequences even when extended to accommodate larger numbers of ions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration maintains consistent trapping frequencies and stable shuttling of ions, allowing for scalable ion trap devices capable of trapping multiple ions with minimal changes in electrode geometry or electronic architecture.

Implementation Method 1

the structured electrode layer forms multiple electrodes of an ion trap configured to trap ions in a zone above the structured electrode layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

The multiple electrodes comprise a first RF electrode and a second RF electrode extending along a first direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio frequency oscillation: Alternating Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

The multiple electrodes further comprise at least one center DC electrode arranged between the first RF electrode and the second RF electrode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDirect current electric field: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentEP4614521A1Devices for controlling trapped ions having specific electrode characteristics
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 INFINEON TECH AUSTRIA AG
  • EP4614521A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~3
  • EP4614521A1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4614521A1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

A device (300) for controlling trapped ions includes a structured electrode layer, wherein the structured electrode layer forms multiple electrodes of an ion trap configured to trap ions in a zone above the structured electrode layer. The multiple electrodes include a first RF electrode (2A) and a second RF electrode (2B) extending along a first direction. The multiple electrodes further include at least one center DC electrode (6) arranged between the first RF electrode and the second RF electrode and extending along the first direction. A first width of the first RF electrode and a second width of the second RF electrode decrease along the first direction.