A molecular dynamics simulation study on trapping ions in a nanoscale Paul trap

Journal Article · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 2008 · Nanotechnology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1088/0957-4484/19/19/195702· OSTI ID:944946

Zhao, Xiongce ^[1]; Krstic, Predrag S ^[1]

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1. ORNL

We found by molecular dynamics simulations that a low energy ion can be trapped effectively in a nanoscale Paul trap in both vacuum and in aqueous environment when appropriate AC/DC electric fields are applied to the system. Using the negatively charged chlorine ion as an example, we show that the trapped ion oscillates around the center of the nanotrap with the amplitude dependent on the parameters of the system and applied voltage. Successful trapping of the ion within nanoseconds requires electric bias of GHz frequency, in the range of hundreds of mV. The oscillations are damped in the aqueous environment, but polarization of the water molecules requires application of the higher voltage biases to reach the improved stability of the trapping. Application of a supplemental DC driving field along the trap axis can effectively drive the ion off the trap center and out of the trap, opening a possibility of studying DNA and other biological molecules using embedded probes while achieving a full control of their translocation and localization in the trap.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL); Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences
• Sponsoring Organization: SC USDOE - Office of Science (SC)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-00OR22725
• OSTI ID: 944946
• Journal Information: Nanotechnology, Journal Name: Nanotechnology Journal Issue: 19 Vol. 19
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS
AMPLITUDES
CHLORINE IONS
DNA
ELECTRIC FIELDS
OPENINGS
OSCILLATIONS
POLARIZATION
PROBES
SIMULATION
STABILITY
TRANSLOCATION
TRAPPING
WATER