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Preparing an Isotopically Pure 229Th Ion Beam for Studies of 229mTh
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Multiply charged thorium crystals for nuclear laser spectroscopy.

C J Campbell1, A V Steele, L R Churchill

  • 1School of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332-0430, USA.

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Researchers laser-cooled multiply charged thorium ions (Th3+) for the first time. This breakthrough enables precise laser excitation of nuclear transitions in trapped thorium ions, bridging atomic and nuclear physics.

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Area of Science:

  • Atomic Physics
  • Nuclear Physics
  • Quantum Metrology

Background:

  • Laser cooling is a technique used to reduce the kinetic energy of atoms or ions.
  • Multiply charged ions are challenging to laser cool due to complex electronic structures and transitions.
  • Thorium isotopes are of interest for nuclear structure studies and potential applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To demonstrate laser cooling of a multiply charged ion species.
  • To prepare laser-cooled thorium ions for nuclear transition excitation.
  • To explore new avenues in precision metrology using nuclear excitation.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a linear radiofrequency (rf) Paul trap to confine ions.
  • Employed laser cooling techniques to reduce the temperature of 232Th3+ ions.
  • Achieved crystalline structures of laser-cooled ions.

Main Results:

  • Successfully produced laser-cooled crystals of 232Th3+ ions.
  • Demonstrated laser cooling of a multiply charged ion for the first time.
  • Established a method for preparing cold, trapped 229Th3+ ions.

Conclusions:

  • Laser cooling of multiply charged ions is feasible.
  • This work paves the way for laser excitation of nuclear transitions in 229Th3+.
  • The development promises enhanced precision in metrology through atomic and nuclear physics synergy.