Design of a Linear Paul Trap for Atomic and Molecular Ion Experiments

We will present the construction and characterization of a linear Paul blade ion trap designed to trap atomic barium, lutetium, as well as heavier molecular ions. The trap electrodes have a large 0.5mm electrode-to-center distance to offer high optical access and imaging efficiency. We calculate that with a 2pix8MHz radiofrequency trapping potential at 80V amplitude, we can achieve a trap secular frequency ~200kHz. Additionally, we demonstrate a novel method of producing 350nm necessary for repumping the 6s2 1S0 → 6s6p 3P1 transition of Lu+, using a fiber-integrated lithium-niobate waveguide device. The device has two stages that perform second-harmonic generation of 525nm light from a 1050nm fiber laser source, followed by a second stage that produces 350nm by sum-frequency generation of 525nm and 1050nm light.