Mainz 2026 – scientific programme
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A: Fachverband Atomphysik
A 7: Collisions, Scattering and Correlation Phenomena II (joint session A/MO)
A 7.8: Talk
Monday, March 2, 2026, 18:45–19:00, N 2
Single-Electron Detection at Room Temperature Using Background-Gas Ion Signals in a Penning Trap — •Arindam Kumar Sikdar1,2, Joydip Nandi1,2, M. Chatterjee3, Vyshnav C.H.4, A Ray1, K. T. Satyajith4, and P. Das1,2 — 1Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata, INDIA — 2Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, Maharashtra, INDIA — 3Jadavpur University, Raja Subodh Chandra Mallick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata, INDIA — 4Delta Q, IMJ Institute of Research, Moodlakatte, Karnataka, INDIA
We present a simple, room-temperature method for detecting a single trapped electron without relying on cryogenic electronics or image-current readout. A single electron confined in a Penning trap naturally ionizes residual background molecules, producing low-energy ions that are guided to a microchannel plate (MCP) and counted individually. These ion bursts provide a clear, indirect signature of the electron*s presence and confinement dynamics.
This ionization-based readout is highly sensitive, non-invasive, and directly compatible with hybrid trap architectures such as dual-frequency Paul traps and Penning*Paul combinations, where conventional detection is limited by weak image currents and RF noise. The technique offers a practical path toward single-lepton detection in room-temperature electron, positron, and antimatter experiments, and opens new opportunities for compact precision sensors and single-particle studies.
Keywords: Single electron; Penning trap; collision; non-destructive detection; background gas ionisation