Axial resonances of Ar + ions observed in a linear Paul trap

Non-neutral plasmas composed of 10⁶ to 10⁷ Ar⁺ ions were confined in a linear Paul trap which had a non-harmonic electrostatic potential in axial direction. Axial resonances were observed by applying additional RF electric field and detecting axially ejected ions. It was found that the resonance frequencies shifted as a function of the ion number, the amplitude of additional RF electric field, and the applied electrostatic potential for the axial confinement.