Negative ions in traps: from atomic to astrophysics
Priv.-Doz. Dr. Roland Wester (Universität Freiburg)

Multipole radiofrequency ion traps are a versatile tool to study negative ions and their interaction with light. I will discuss the photodetachment process of negative atomic and molecular ions in the ion trap. We are able to precisely measure total cross sections that challenge state-of-the art quantum calculations and deliver input for understanding the role of negative ions in interstellar space.
Furthermore, I will show how the internal state population of the trapped anions can be obtained using photodetachment.