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Ion-lithium collision dynamics studied with a laser-cooled in-ring target.
D Fischer1, D Globig, J Goullon
1Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics, Saupfercheckweg 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany.
Physical Review Letters
|September 26, 2012
Summary
A new experimental tool, MOTReMi, combines a magneto-optical trap and reaction microscope for detailed studies of laser-cooled atom break-up. This enables precise investigation of swift ion-atom collision dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Atomic physics
- Quantum mechanics
- Collision dynamics
Background:
- Studying atomic break-up processes requires advanced experimental techniques.
- Swift ion-atom collisions are crucial for understanding fundamental interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel experimental apparatus, MOTReMi, for kinematically complete studies of laser-cooled atom break-up.
- To investigate the dynamics of swift ion-atom collisions with high precision.
Main Methods:
- Combining a magneto-optical trap (MOT) with a reaction microscope (ReMi).
- Operating the apparatus within an ion-storage ring.
- Conducting experiments on O(8+)-Li collisions at 1.5 MeV/amu.
Main Results:
- The MOTReMi enables kinematically complete measurements of atomic break-up.
- The setup allows for unprecedented precision in studying collision dynamics.
- Inaugural experiments investigated pure valence electron ionization and ionization-excitation of lithium.
Conclusions:
- The MOTReMi is a powerful new tool for atomic collision research.
- This apparatus opens new avenues for detailed investigations into atomic break-up processes.
- Precise data on ionization and excitation in ion-atom collisions were obtained.
