Cryogenic Electrostatic Ion Storage Rings―Recent Developments and Physics with Cold Molecular Ions

Abstract

Ion storage rings have been serving as powerful tools in atomic and molecular physics since the high-energy magnetic ion storage ring were developed in the 1980s. In the 21st century, the technologies were inherited by the ‘electrostatic’ ion storage rings and brought a new opportunity of experiments with large molecular ions. Based on a number of advantages demonstrated in the electrostatic storage rings, new-generation cryogenic electrostatic rings were developed at Stockholm University, Max Planck Institute, and RIKEN. In this article, we review the historical background and technical developments of the RIKEN Cryogenic Electrostatic storage ring (RICE). We also overview the recent experiments with cold molecular ions at the cryogenic storage rings.