Single atomic particle at rest in free space

The quantum-mechanical equivalent of a single atomic particle at rest in free space has been found in the cyclotron motion of an individual electron in a Penning trap at 150 GHz. In experiments with a magnetic field of 5 tesla at a temperature of 4 K, it is shown that the electron in the Penning trap occupied a zero-point level of n 0. In an approximate analysis of the experimental results, it is shown that average quantum numbers can also be obtained for all three orthogonal vibrational motions of Mg(+) and Ba(+) in a parabolic rf trap. A schematic drawing of the rf trap device is provided. 12 references