A new Collinear Apparatus for Laser Spectroscopy and Applied Science (COALA).

Area of Science:

• Atomic Physics
• Laser Spectroscopy
• Metrology

Background:

• Collinear laser spectroscopy is a powerful technique for atomic studies.
• Existing setups face systematic uncertainties in high-voltage and frequency measurements, beam superposition, and residual gas collisions.
• These limitations hinder routine, high-accuracy measurements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and present a new collinear laser spectroscopy setup.
• To overcome systematic uncertainty limits in high-voltage and frequency measurements.
• To enable routine, high-accuracy transition frequency determination and metrological applications.

Main Methods:

• Active stabilization of ion-source potential.
• Implementation of novel ion sources for collinear laser spectroscopy.
• Dedicated installations for pump-and-probe measurements.
• A versatile laser system referenced to a frequency comb.
• Accurate high-voltage measurement techniques.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated routine determination of transition frequencies with enhanced accuracy.
• Successfully performed accurate high-voltage measurements for metrological applications.
• Validated the setup's performance using Calcium ions (Ca+) and Indium ions (In+).

Conclusions:

• The new collinear laser spectroscopy setup significantly reduces systematic uncertainties.
• It enables routine, high-accuracy measurements previously unachievable.
• The system is suitable for both fundamental atomic physics research and metrological applications.