Figure 15

Side view of the loading mechanism. The image illustrates the three sub-divisions of the loading-mechanism chamber. The hollow-core photonic-crystal fiber (HCPCF) is mounted on a fiber coupler (HCFC) close to the four rod-like electrodes of a linear Paul trap. At this position, the test particles are handed over from the guiding fiber to the Paul trap. This is also where the buffer gas will leave the chamber via the HCPCF. The particles are then guided close to a UV coupler where UV light is used to discharge them. Finally, they will enter an IR beam propelling the particles to the top of the optical bench.