Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
10:42
Preparing an Isotopically Pure 229Th Ion Beam for Studies of 229mTh
Published on: May 3, 2019
Zeeman slowing of thulium atoms
K Chebakov1, A Sokolov, A Akimov
1P. N. Lebedev Physics Institute, Leninsky Prospekt 53, Moscow 119991, Russia.
Optics Letters
|October 2, 2009
Summary
Researchers successfully slowed a hot thulium atomic beam using laser technology. This breakthrough paves the way for trapping thulium (Tm) atoms in magneto-optical traps for further study.
Area of Science:
- Atomic Physics
- Laser Cooling
- Quantum Optics
Background:
- Thulium (Tm) atoms are challenging to laser cool due to their complex atomic structure.
- Previous methods for slowing atomic beams have limitations for certain elements like thulium.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate laser slowing of a hot thulium atomic beam.
- To evaluate the feasibility of trapping thulium atoms using magneto-optical techniques.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a nearly closed cycling transition at 410.6 nm for laser slowing.
- Employed a 40 cm Zeeman slower to decelerate the thulium atomic beam.
Main Results:
- Achieved deceleration of thulium atoms to velocities of approximately 25 m/s.
- Measured a flux of slowed atoms at 10^7 s^-1 cm^-2.
- Demonstrated the potential for trapping thulium atoms.
Conclusions:
- Laser slowing of thulium atoms is feasible using the specified atomic transition.
- The achieved flux and velocity are promising for magneto-optical trapping experiments.
- This work opens new avenues for research with thulium atoms.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Atomic Nuclei: Types of Nuclear Relaxation
Nuclear relaxation restores the equilibrium population imbalance and can occur via spin–lattice or spin–spin mechanisms, which are first-order exponential decay processes.
In spin–lattice or longitudinal relaxation, the excited spins exchange energy with the surrounding lattice as they return to the lower energy level. Among several mechanisms that contribute to spin–lattice relaxation, magnetic dipolar interactions are significant. Here, the excited nucleus transfers energy to a nearby...
In spin–lattice or longitudinal relaxation, the excited spins exchange energy with the surrounding lattice as they return to the lower energy level. Among several mechanisms that contribute to spin–lattice relaxation, magnetic dipolar interactions are significant. Here, the excited nucleus transfers energy to a nearby...
01:23Atomic Nuclei: Nuclear Relaxation Processes
In the absence of an external magnetic field, nuclear spin states are degenerate and randomly oriented. When a magnetic field is applied, the spins begin to precess and orient themselves along (lower energy) or against (higher energy) the direction of the field. At equilibrium, a slight excess population of spins exists in the lower energy state. Because the direction of the magnetic field is fixed as the z-axis, the precessing magnetic moments are randomly oriented around the z-axis. This...
01:19Thomson's e/m Experiment
In a beam of charged particles created by a heated cathode, the particles move at different speeds. However, many applications need a beam with uniform particle speeds. An arrangement known as a velocity selector uses electric and magnetic fields to pick particles with a particular speed from the beam.
A particle with charge q, speed v, and mass m enters an area from the top, where the magnetic and electric fields are perpendicular both to the particle's motion and to one another. The magnetic...
A particle with charge q, speed v, and mass m enters an area from the top, where the magnetic and electric fields are perpendicular both to the particle's motion and to one another. The magnetic...