Laser Spectroscopy in Ion Traps
Jun. Prof. Dr. Peter MICKE
Jun.-Prof. Dr. Peter Micke
Jun. Prof. Dr. Peter Micke
Image: Anne Günther (University of Jena)Jun. Prof. Dr. Peter MICKE
Email: peter.micke@uni-jena.de
Phone: +49 3641 9-47239
Dr. Peter Micke is junior professor for ‘Laser spectroscopy in ion traps’ at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena since 2024 and head of the Helmholtz Investigator Group ‘Quantum logic spectroscopy for frequency metrology of heavy and simple ions’ at the Helmholtz Institute Jena since 2023. He and his team are setting up a universal spectroscopy platform at the GSI Helmholtz Center for Heavy Ion Research with unique access to accelerator-produced highly charged heavy ions, including radioisotopes. The ultimate goal is to conduct optical clock comparisons with other leading national and international research institutes at the forefront of precision and accuracy.
A two-ion crystal composed of the highly charged heavy ion under study and the logic ion Be+. This quantum object can be cooled to the quantum mechanical ground state of motion using lasers. Next, quantum logic algorithms can be carried out.
Picture: Peter Micke (University of Jena)Research Areas
The research of Dr. Micke focuses on optical frequency metrology of ions in extreme charge states, confined in Paul ion traps. It includes:
- Ion trap development for optical spectroscopy
- Ion production techniques including electron beam ion traps and accelerators
- Laser and sympathetic cooling techniques
- Quantum logic spectroscopy
- Optical clocks and frequency metrology
- Studies of fundamental, atomic, and nuclear physics; searches for unknown physics beyond the Standard Model
Algorithm for quantum logic spectroscopy. After the spectroscopy ion has been excited by a clock pulse, its quantum state is mapped onto the qubit of the logic ion via two successive swap gates. There, it can be read out with high detection fidelity.
Picture: Peter Micke (University of Jena)Teaching Fields
- Ion traps
- Precision experiments
Research Methods
- External ion production in electron beam ion traps or by an accelerator-decelerator chain
- Ion confinement in Paul traps
- Full quantum control with lasers and microwave fields, including laser cooling down to the quantum-mechanical ground state of motion
- Quantum logic algorithms using the logic ion Be+
- Optical frequency metrology and optical clock comparisons
Link to the research group at the Friedrich Schiller University
Link to the research group at the Helmholz Institute JenaExternal link