Abstract
Using a new type of ion trap, we demonstrate that the length of a packet of charged particles oscillating between two electrostatic mirrors will remain constant under special conditions. The effect can be understood in terms of phase synchronization, where, in a rather counterintuitive way, the repulsive Coulomb interaction between the ions actually holds the packet together. Application of this effect for mass spectrometry is discussed.
- Received 26 December 2000
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.87.055001
©2001 American Physical Society