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Precision Measurement of the First Ionization Potential of Nobelium
P Chhetri1,2, D Ackermann2,3, H Backe4
1Institut für Angewandte Physik, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Schlossgartenstrasse 7, D-64289 Darmstadt, Germany.
Physical Review Letters
|July 14, 2018
Summary
Researchers precisely measured the first ionization potential of nobelium using laser spectroscopy. This fundamental atomic property is crucial for understanding the unique chemical behavior of heavy elements influenced by relativistic effects.
Area of Science:
- Atomic Physics
- Quantum Chemistry
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- The first ionization potential is a key atomic property influencing chemical behavior.
- Relativistic effects significantly impact the ionization potentials of heavy elements, leading to unique chemical properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To precisely determine the first ionization potential of neutral nobelium.
- To provide a benchmark for advanced atomic modeling including relativistic and quantum electrodynamic effects.
Main Methods:
- Development and application of atom-at-a-time laser spectroscopy.
- Probing the optical spectrum of neutral nobelium near its ionization threshold.
- Analyzing the convergence of measured Rydberg series.
Main Results:
- The first ionization potential of nobelium was determined to be 6.62621±0.00005 eV.
- High precision achieved through Rydberg series convergence.
Conclusions:
- This measurement offers a stringent test for many-body atomic theories.
- Paves the way for high-precision atomic property measurements of elements from heavy-ion accelerators.
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