Abstract

Paul traps are devices that confine particles using an alternating electric field and have been used in undergraduate experimental classes at universities. Owing to the requirement of a high voltage ($\gt $10³ V), Paul traps are not used in middle and high schools. Therefore, we developed an all-in-one-type Paul trap, including a high-voltage transformer. The Paul trap can be equipped with two different types of electrode attachments, ring-type and linear-type, and the trap image can be observed using a built-in web camera. For example, the charge-to-mass ratio of particles was measured with different types of attachments, and reasonable values were obtained. These types of trap devices are currently used at several educational facilities in Japan.