Coulomb crystals are formed when laser-cooled ions are confined in traps at sufficiently low translational energies, creating an ordered structure. These crystals offer several advantages for chemical reaction studies, including the ability to cool ionic species to translational temperatures of approximately 10 mK to 10 K, creating a dense and localized target of trapped reactants. This allows laboratory-based reaction studies to be carried out in conditions comparable to those found in remote regions such as the interstellar medium (ISM).
Advantages of Coulomb Crystals for Chemical Reaction Studies
Cooling and Confinement of Ionic Species
Coulomb crystals allow for the cooling of ionic species to translational temperatures as low as 10 mK to 10 K, creating a dense and localized target of trapped reactants. This enables laboratory-based reaction studies to be conducted under conditions similar to those found in remote regions like the interstellar medium (ISM).