Measurement of Dipole Matrix Elements with a Single Trapped Ion

Area of Science:

• Atomic Physics
• Quantum Mechanics
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Dipole matrix elements are crucial for understanding atomic transitions.
• Previous experimental and theoretical values for certain transitions have shown discrepancies.
• Accurate determination of these elements is vital for atomic structure calculations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel method for determining dipole matrix elements.
• To measure the dipole matrix element for the Ca II H line transition.
• To resolve existing discrepancies in experimental and theoretical values.

Main Methods:

• Comparing measurements of dispersive and absorptive light ion interactions.
• Utilizing a novel interferometric technique.
• Applying the method to the 4(2)S(1/2)↔4(2)P(1/2) transition of (40)Ca(+)

Main Results:

• The dipole matrix element for the Ca II H line was measured to be 2.8928(43) ea(0).
• The lifetime of the 4(2)P(1/2) state was determined to be 6.904(26) ns.
• The results align with recent theoretical calculations.

Conclusions:

• The demonstrated method provides an accurate way to determine dipole matrix elements.
• The findings resolve a long-standing discrepancy in the Ca II H line transition data.
• This work contributes to a more precise understanding of atomic properties.