Penning trap

electromagnetic device

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 23, 2026

Quick Summary

A penning trap is an electromagnetic device used to confine charged particles, such as ions. It utilizes a combination of a strong magnetic field and a quadrupole electric field to trap these particles in a specific region. This precise confinement is crucial for various scientific experiments, including mass spectrometry and the study of fundamental physics.

While the term "trap" can also refer to locations within solids that restrict electron and hole movement, or to devices preventing discoloration on television screens, a penning trap specifically refers to the electromagnetic confinement of charged particles for research purposes.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Hans Georg Dehmelt
…for his development of the Penning trap, an electromagnetic device that can hold small numbers of ions (electrically charged atoms) and electrons for periods of time long enough to allow their properties to be studied with unprecedented accuracy.
Read More
…for his development of the Penning trap, an electromagnetic device that can hold small numbers of ions (electrically charged atoms) and electrons for periods of time long enough to allow their properties to be studied with unprecedented accuracy.
Read More