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Measurement and Analysis of Atomic Hydrogen and Diatomic Molecular AlO, C2, CN, and TiO Spectra Following Laser-induced Optical Breakdown
Published on: February 14, 2014
Sub-dekahertz ultraviolet spectroscopy of 199Hg+
Physical Review Letters
|September 8, 2000
Summary
Researchers achieved ultra-narrow linewidths for a single mercury ion (199Hg+) transition using a stable laser. This breakthrough advances the development of precise optical frequency standards for trapped ions.
Area of Science:
- Atomic Physics
- Quantum Optics
- Metrology
Background:
- Trapped ions are crucial for high-precision spectroscopy.
- Developing stable and narrow-linewidth lasers is essential for advanced frequency standards.
Purpose of the Study:
- To probe a specific electric-quadrupole transition in a single laser-cooled 199Hg+ ion.
- To achieve Fourier-transform limited linewidths for improved optical frequency standards.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a frequency-locked laser to a high-finesse Fabry-Perot etalon.
- Stored a single laser-cooled 199Hg+ ion in a cryogenic radio-frequency ion trap.
- Probed the 5d(10)6s (2)S(1/2)<-->5d(9)6s(2) (2)D(5/2) electric-quadrupole transition.
Main Results:
- Observed Fourier-transform limited linewidths as narrow as 6.7 Hz at 282 nm.
- Achieved a line Q of approximately 1.6x10^14.
- Performed preliminary measurements of the electric-quadrupole shift.
Conclusions:
- The study demonstrates a significant advancement in linewidth reduction for trapped-ion spectroscopy.
- Results have implications for the future development of highly accurate optical frequency standards.
- Precise control of ion-laser interaction is key for metrology.
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