Dynamics of coupled Coulomb crystals in a double well potential
We investigate the non-equilibrium dynamics of two coupled chains of trapped ions in a double well potential. A quench of the potential barrier between both wells results in a complex dynamic due to the long-range Coulomb interaction.
The initial configuration is the energetically lowest state of two equal sized zig-zag chains (22 ions in each well). The quench of the barrier leads to a manifold of structures like arcs, circles and crosses alternated by disorder which follows up in the corresponding dynamic.
The initial configuration is the energetically lowest state of two zig-zag chains of different sizes (13 and 20 ions). A quench of the barrier allows ions to travel over the barrier. In the bigger crystal the ion transfer results in small nonlinear oscillations of the ions around their equilibrium positions and a center of mass motion of the complete crystal. In the small crystal the center of mass motion is superposed with chaotic oscillations of the individual ions.
Two linear ion chains of different sizes (13 and 20 ions) are trapped in a double well potential. A quench of the barrier results in ions transfer. In contrary to the zig-zag chain configuration we find a rich tranfers dynamic of ions before the left crystal becomes bigger then the right one.