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Abstract

In this thesis a linear Paul trap was designed and assembled. The challenge to create a cryogenic environment for obtaining an extremely low background pressure which is essential for reaching a long life time of highly charged ions, was accomplished. A detailed investigation of the parameters characterizing the trapping potential was carried out. The requirements for stable trajectories in the here constructed set-up were simulated, and a program for further detailed simulations was written. Moreover first measurements of temperature and pressure were performed which showed that excellent pressure and temperature conditions were reached in the trap region. In a next step it was demonstrated that the design provides very good shielding of thermal radiation and radiofrequency heating.