Cryocooling of the CHIP-TRAP Penning trap and detection electronics

Penning trap mass spectrometry (PTMS) provides the most precise and accurate method for determining atomic masses. At Central Michigan University (CMU) we are developing the CMU High Precision Penning Trap mass spectrometer (CHIP-TRAP) for precision mass measurements of stable and long-lived isotopes with applications, for example, in neutrino physics. In CHIP-TRAP the cyclotron and magnetron frequency of the ions will be monitored via the non-destructive image charge (IC) detection technique. Unlike destructive techniques, such as the time-of-flight technique, IC detection will allow continuous use of the same ion to facilitate high statistical precision and extensive investigations of systematics. To perform precise and accurate measurements, sensitivity to single ions and long measurement times are needed, both of which can be achieved by cooling the detection electronics and Penning trap to cryogenic temperatures to reduce thermal noise and improve the vacuum. As such, we are installing a low noise pre-amplifier that can operate at 4 K and in a 6 T magnetic field near the trap, with cooling provided by a pulse-tube cryocooler. In this presentation we will discuss the present status of the CHIP-TRAP experiment, particularly the commissioning of the Penning traps, detection of ions, and installation and initial testing of the new pre-amplifier and cryocooler.