Trapping, retention and laser cooling of Th{sup 3+} ions in a multisection linear quadrupole trap

A multisection linear quadrupole trap for Th{sup 3+} ions is described. Multiply charged ions are obtained by the laser ablation method. The possibility of trapping and retention of ∼10{sup 3} ions is demonstrated in macroscopic time scales of ∼30 s. Specific features of cooling Th{sup 3+} ions on the electron transitions with wavelengths of 1088, 690 and 984 nm in Th{sup 3+} ion are discussed; a principal scheme of a setup for laser cooling is presented. (paper)