Improved microparticle electrodynamic ion traps for physics teaching

We review the essential physics of microparticle electrodynamic ion traps (MEITs) and suggest several improvements in the design, construction, and application of MEITs in undergraduate physics teaching. Pulling together insights gleaned from a number of disparate sources, we have developed MEITs with better overall performance and reliability in comparison to previous publications. This work builds upon a long history of MEIT advancement over many decades, further lowering the barriers to using these fascinating devices in physics teaching labs and demonstrations. (C) 2018 American Association of Physics Teachers.