Search Efforts for the <sup>229</sup>Th Isomeric Transition
POSTER
Abstract
The nucleus of 229Th has an exceptionally low-energy isomeric transition in the
vacuum-ultraviolet (VUV) spectrum around 8 eV [1] that, if measured with spectroscopic
precision, holds much promise for future timekeeping and quantum logic operations.
Our ongoing direct VUV laser search for the transition using thorium-doped crystals [2]
has been supplemented by a conversion-electron Mössbauer spectroscopy scheme using a
target with electroplated 229Th [3]. In both of these direct excitation schemes, a pulsed dye
laser system is used to generate the tunable VUV light. We will also report on the progress
of our parallel effort to measure the energy of the isomeric decay using a superconducting
nano-wire single photon imager.
[1] Seiferle, B. et al. Energy of the 229Th nuclear clock transition. Nature (2019).
[2] Tkalya, E. V. et al.: Phys. Rev. C 92, 054324 (2015)
[3] Seiferle, B. et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 118, 042501 (2017)
vacuum-ultraviolet (VUV) spectrum around 8 eV [1] that, if measured with spectroscopic
precision, holds much promise for future timekeeping and quantum logic operations.
Our ongoing direct VUV laser search for the transition using thorium-doped crystals [2]
has been supplemented by a conversion-electron Mössbauer spectroscopy scheme using a
target with electroplated 229Th [3]. In both of these direct excitation schemes, a pulsed dye
laser system is used to generate the tunable VUV light. We will also report on the progress
of our parallel effort to measure the energy of the isomeric decay using a superconducting
nano-wire single photon imager.
[1] Seiferle, B. et al. Energy of the 229Th nuclear clock transition. Nature (2019).
[2] Tkalya, E. V. et al.: Phys. Rev. C 92, 054324 (2015)
[3] Seiferle, B. et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 118, 042501 (2017)
Presenters
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Ricky Elwell
- University of California, Los Angeles