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Abstract:
In this thesis the very first observation of spin transitions of a single proton stored in a cryogenic
double-Penning trap is presented. The experimental observation of spin transitions is
based on the continuous Stern-Gerlach effect, which couples the spin of the single trapped
proton to its axial eigenfrequency, by means of an inhomogeneous magnetic field. A spin
transition causes a change of the axial frequency, which can be measured non-destructively.
Due to the tiny magnetic moment of the proton, the direct detection of proton spin-flips is
an exceeding challenge. To achieve spin-flip resolution, the proton was stored in the largest
magnetic field inhomogeneity, which has ever been superimposed to a Penning trap, and
its axial frequency was detected non-destructively. Therefore, superconducting detection
systems with ultrahigh-sensitivity were developed, allowing the direct observation of the
single trapped proton, as well as the high-precision determination of its eigenfrequencies.
Based on novel experimental methods, which were developed in the framework of this thesis,
the axial frequency of the particle was stabilized to a level, where the observation of
single-proton spin-flips is possible, which was demonstrated.
This experimental success is one of the most important steps towards the high-precision
determination of the magnetic moment of the free proton. With the very first observation
of spin transitions with a single trapped proton, a highly exciting perspective opens. All
experimental techniques which were developed in this thesis can be directly applied to the
antiproton. Thus, the first high-precision measurement of the magnetic moment of the
antiproton becomes possible. This will provide a new high-precision test of the matterantimatter
symmetry.
