# Researchers demonstrate single-positron trap with motion and spin readout

_Published Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 10:06 PM EDT · Science · Latest · Tier 2 — Notable_

![Researchers demonstrate single-positron trap with motion and spin readout — Primary](https://scx2.b-cdn.net/gfx/news/hires/2026/one-positron-cyclotron-2.jpg)

Northwestern University researchers have demonstrated a way to trap a single positron, cool its circling motion to its lowest energy state, and read its motion and spin without disturbing either, Phys.org reported. The work appeared in Physical Review Letters.

The team split an electron-positron pair inside a trap that uses electric and magnetic fields, leaving the positron confined. Microwaves moved it between distinct energy levels, while tiny shifts in its bobbing motion revealed its state. A captured positron can remain stored for several months.

The demonstration could support more precise comparisons with the electron's magnetic properties. It does not itself establish the projected improvement in measurement accuracy.

## Sources

- [Phys.org](https://phys.org/news/2026-10-positron-cyclotron-key-standard.html)

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Canonical: https://techandbusiness.org/newswire/lfbA1GHmOYczERDVQcmk7w
Published: 2026-10-25T02:06:37.012Z
Story chronology: 2026-10-24T17:20:02.000Z
Retrieved: 2026-10-25T06:19:38.989Z
Publisher: Tech & Business (techandbusiness.org)