Equilibrium states of confined ions in two dimensions

Ions that are trapped in two dimensions and are subject to a harmonic confining potential have widely varying stationary states that exhibit various asymptotic forms and bifurcations. We present a 'birds-eye' view of these structures for N = 2 to 5 ions, and the full range of anisotropy. These results may be interrogated in detail using the software provided here. Energy variations at bifurcation points and limits are also identified; for N = 5 these include blue-sky (or saddle-node) bifurcations. A limited attempt is also made to explore such features for a larger system of ions, i.e. N = 10.

Automated summary

This article introduces the diverse stationary structures of ions trapped in two dimensions under the influence of a harmonic confining potential, and presents a 'bird's-eye' view of these structures for 2 to 5 ions and the full range of anisotropy. The results can be studied in detail using the provided software. The article also identifies energy variations at bifurcation points and limits, including blue-sky (or saddle-node) bifurcations for N = 5. A limited exploration is also conducted for a larger ion system, i.e. N = 10.