Penning Trap
A Penning Trap is a device used to confine charged particles, such as ions or electrons, using a combination of electric and magnetic fields. It works by creating a stable environment where the particles can be held in place, allowing scientists to study their properties in detail. The trap is named after Frans Penning, who developed the concept in the 1930s.
In a Penning Trap, a uniform magnetic field is applied along with an electric field that creates a potential well. This setup allows for precise measurements of mass, charge, and other characteristics of the trapped particles, making it a valuable tool in fields like atomic physics and mass spectrometry.