NIST Force Sensor (IMAGE)

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

NIST Force Sensor

Caption

The NIST force sensor is a crystal of ions (charged atoms) trapped inside the upper region of the copper cylinder. A laser beam directed upward through the trap cools the ions. A force is applied in the form of an oscillating electric field, and a detector (not shown) measures the light reflected off the ions.

Credit

Bollinger/NIST

Usage Restrictions

None

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