Grant: Subatomic Physics Envelope - Research Tools and Instruments

The TRIUMF Ion Trap for Atomic and Nuclear science (TITAN) facility is a multi-component ion trap system that provides unique research possibilities in the fields of atomic, nuclear, neutrino and particle physics. The system is set up for maximum performance with short-lived radioactive nuclei, and hence provides an ideal tool for experiments at ISAC, a world-class exotic beam facility, located at TRIUMF. Proposed experiments to be carried out with TITAN include high precision mass determination for testing the Standard Model of Particle Physics, studies of the properties of nuclei far away from the valley of stability, and to gain better understanding of halo nuclei (atomic nuclei with a very large 'neutron skin'). One of the key new features of TITAN will be the capability to work with highly charged ions bred in an electron-beam ion trap (EBIT). To reduce the kinetic energy of the highly charged ions exiting the EBIT, we are developing a cooler Penning trap where clouds of highly charged ions are confined simultaneously with a cold electron or proton plasma, resulting in the sympathetic cooling of the highly charged ions.