Preparing pure $$^{43}$$ 43 Ca $$^+$$ + samples in an ion trap with photoionization and parametric excitations

Abstract

Abstract We present a practical scheme for the efficient preparation of laser–cooled $$^{43}$$ 43 Ca $$^+$$ + ions in an ion trap. Our approach integrates two well-established methods: isotope-selective photoionization and isotope-specific parametric excitation. Drawing inspiration from the individual merits of each method, we have successfully integrated these techniques to prepare extended chains of $$^{43}$$ 43 Ca $$^+$$ + ions, overcoming the challenge posed by their low natural abundance of 0.135% in a natural source. Furthermore, we explore the subtleties of our scheme, focusing on the influence of different factors on the purification process. Our investigation contributes to a broader understanding of the technique and highlights the adaptability of established methods in addressing specific isotopic challenges.