Diffusion and synchronization in an ion-trap resonator

Abstract

The motion of an ion bunch trapped between two electrostatic mirrors in an ion-trap resonator is analyzed both experimentally and via numerical simulations. It is found that under certain conditions it is possible to achieve either synchronization of the ion motion, which causes the size of the bunch to remain constant, or enhanced diffusion, which leads to rapid debunching. These effects are analyzed and criteria for synchronization are proposed.