NONLINEAR DYNAMICS OF TRAPPED IONS

The first part of this paper discusses the nonlinear dynamics of ions stored in a Paul trap. Four topics are presented in detail: (i) The existence of a new deterministic melting region, (ii) crystallization in a secondary Mathieu stability region, (iii) the existence of hetero-charged ion crystals, and (iv) ''cooling induced melting''. In the second part, the dynamic Kingdon trap, a close relative of the Paul trap, is suggested as an alternative trap design for the study of nonlinear effects of trapped ions. The dynamic Kingdon trap shows a period doubling route to chaos as well as crystallization.