We report on measurements of the lifetime of the 5D(3/2)(F= 2) state in single Yb-171 ions confined in a radiofrequency quadrupole trap. Experimental parameters that affect Yb-171 5D(3/2) hyperfine state preparation and detection efficiency are characterized and optimized. A set of wait times for optimal sampling of the D-3/2(F = 2) lifetime is chosen and used to measure that lifetime with high statistical sensitivity. A systematic variation in this lifetime seems to be apparent. The source of the variation was not identified, but ion number and cooling rate appear to be ruled out. A net determination is made of tau = 61.8 +/- (0.6)(stat) +/- (6.4)(sys) ms which is significantly longer than other measurements of the same quantity with four times better statistical precision than the most recent measurement. An alternate shelving scheme is proposed that would provide S-D state discrimination for Yb+ even isotopes as well as improved sensitivity for D state hyperfine discrimination in odd isotopes.

Recurring misinterpretations due to the infamous coherent artifact imply that pulse-measurement methods operate best using single shot. Fortunately, such methods have recently been extended to pulses about 1 ns long-filling a gaping technological hole that has existed for almost 50 years.

We study multi-shot intensity-and-phase measurements of unstable trains of ultrashort pulses using two-dimensional spectral shearing interferometry (2DSI) and self-referenced spectral interferometry (SRSI) in order to identify warning signs of pulse-shape instability.

We have employed the 12.6 GHz microwave transition resonance of a single trapped$^{171}$Yb+ ion to accurately measure the size and relative orientation of the magnetic and optical electric fields at the position of the ion in the trap. Accurate knowledge of these fields is required for precision experiments such as single ion PNC. As a proof of the principle we have measured the polarization dependent light-shift of the ground state hyperfine levels due to the 369 nm cooling laser to determine its electric field amplitude and polarization.

We have successfully trapped singly and doubly ionized Ytterbium in a linear RF quadrupole trap. Ionization was accomplished with both photoionization and electron beam ionization. Co-trapping of Yb+ and Yb2+ was confirmed through electronic detection.