Towards a new hybrid atom-ion system

Hybrid ion-atom systems combine the well-controllable platforms of trapped ions and ultracold quantum gases and link them together by the intermediate-range ion-atom interaction. These quantum systems offer opportunities for buffer gas cooling, quantum simulation of many-body systems, as well as state-to-state quantum chemistry [1]. To fully benefit from the combination, it is essential to understand, characterize, and control the interactions between the atoms and ions. At TU/e, a new experimental setup is being built to go beyond alkali hybrid atom-ion systems and exploit the novel combination of a trapped ion – Yb+ - with dipolar atoms - Dy. This mixture offers new opportunities and here we present the progress made on developing it.