A modified model of helical resonator with predictable loaded resonant frequency and Q-factor

Abstract

High voltage radio frequency (RF) supply is a critical part in an ion trapping system. The RF supply should have high Q-factor and relatively high driving frequency. A frequently used RF supply for an ion trap system is a helical resonator. In certain applications, it is advantageous to have a predictable resonant frequency and Q-factor when the helical resonator is connected to a capacitive load. We develop a model to describe the behavior of a helical resonator with capacitive load. With this model, we can correctly predict the loaded resonant frequency and the loaded Q-factor. To test our prediction, we construct a helical resonator, and measure its resonant frequencies and Q-factors under different capacitive loads. The experimental results agree with our prediction.