Towards a sensitive search for variation of the fine-structure constant using radio-frequency E1 transitions in atomic dysprosium
- Department of Physics, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720-7300 (United States)
It has been proposed that the radio-frequency electric-dipole (E1) transition between two nearly degenerate opposite-parity states in atomic dysprosium should be highly sensitive to possible temporal variation of the fine-structure constant ({alpha}) [V. A. Dzuba, V. V. Flambaum, and J. K. Webb, Phys. Rev. A 59, 230 (1999)]. We analyze here an experimental realization of the proposed search in progress in our laboratory, which involves monitoring the E1 transition frequency over a period of time using direct frequency counting techniques. We estimate that a statistical sensitivity of |{alpha}/{alpha}|{approx}10{sup -18}/yr may be achieved and discuss possible systematic effects that may limit such a measurement.
- OSTI ID:
- 20640678
- Journal Information:
- Physical Review. A, Journal Name: Physical Review. A Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 69; ISSN 1050-2947; ISSN PLRAAN
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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