A new type of electrostatic ion trap for storage of fast ion beams

A new technique for trapping of fast (keV) ion beams is presented. The trap, which is electrostatic, works on a principle similar to that of optical resonators. The main advantages of the trap are the possibility to trap fast beams without need of deceleration, the well-defined beam direction, the easy access to the trapped beam by various probes, and the simple requirement in terms of external beam injection. Results of preliminary experiments related to the radiative cooling of molecular ions are also reported.