. at om - p h ] 2 4 Ju n 20 05 A mapping approach to synchronization in the ” Zajfman trap ” . II : the observed bunch

We extend a recently introduced mapping model, which explains the bunching phenomenon in an ion beam resonator for two ions [Geyer, Tannor, J. Phys. B 37 (2004) 73], to describe the dynamics of the whole ion bunch. We calculate the time delay of the ions from a model of the bunch geometry and find that the bunch takes on a spherical form at the turning points in the electrostatic mirrors. From this condition we derive how the observed bunch length depends on the experimental parameters. We give an interpretation of the criteria for the existence of the bunch, which were derived from the experimental observations by Pedersen et al [Pedersen et al , Phys. Rev. A 65 042704].