Direct VUV Laser Search for the $^{229}$Th Transition

ORAL

Abstract

The nucleus of $^{229}$Th has an exceptionally low-energy isomeric transition in the vacuum-ultraviolet (VUV) spectrum around 8.338(24) eV [1] that, if measured with spectroscopic precision, holds much promise for future timekeeping and quantum logic operations. Our group has pursued the development of thorium-doped crystals [2], both as a way to search for the transition, as well as a potential platform for a solid state nuclear clock. Here we will present the results of an ongoing direct VUV laser search for the isomeric transition, during which fluorescence has been observed that may provide evidence of optical driving and quenching of the nuclear transition in the crystal environment. Possible interpretations will be discussed.

[1] Kraemer, S., et. al. Observation of the radiative decay of the 229Th nuclear clock isomer. Nature (2023).
[2] Tkalya, E. V. et al.: Phys. Rev. C 92, 054324 (2015)

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Presenters

  • Ricky Elwell

    • University of California, Los Angeles

Authors

  • Ricky Elwell

    • University of California, Los Angeles

  • Christian Schneider

    • NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

  • Justin Jeet

    • Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab

  • James E Terhune

    • UCLA

  • Harry Morgan

    • UCLA Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
    • UCLA

  • Anastassia Alexandrova

    • UCLA

  • Hoang Bao Tran Tan

    • University of Nevada, Reno

  • Andrei P Derevianko

    • University of Nevada, Reno
    • University of Nevada, Reno, USA

  • Eric R Hudson

    • UCLA
    • University of California Los Angeles