Recent progress in the AntiMatter-On-a-Chip project: development of a dual-frequency Paul trap and a low energy positron source

AntiMatter-On-a-Chip (AMOC) is a project aimed at production of antihydrogen by confining positrons and antiprotons within the same trapping volume of a radiofrequency (RF) trap as described in [1]. The general workflow of the project is divided into several branches: the development of a RF trap capable of trapping positrons and antiprotons, and the development of sources of both species. The current stage of the project includes testing the dual-frequency RF trap with electrons and Ca+ ions as well as the development of low energy positrons source. The dual-frequency RF trap in use is a linear model made of three printed boards [2] and is capable of trapping separately electrons at 1.6 GHz and Ca+ at 2 MHz. For the production of low energy positrons, we plan to use a Na-22 source in combination with a moderator and a Surko-style buffer gas trap. In the long term, such a trap could enable investigations of exotic systems such as bound atom–positron states and contribute to precision tests of fundamental symmetries using antimatter. In this report, we give an overview of the project, present recent experimental and simulation results, and discuss next steps.