(Technique for determining the static polarizabilities of refractory metal atoms)

Technical Report · Tue May 15 00:00:00 EDT 1990

OSTI ID:6826767

Bonin, K D; Happer, W ^[1]

---

1. Princeton Univ., NJ (USA). Dept. of Physics

We have been working on the development of a technique for determining the static polarizabilities of refractory metal atoms. The technique involves producing a dense, cold atomic beam (n {approx equal}10{sup 11} {minus} 10{sup 12} atoms/cm{sup 3}, T {perpendicular} {approx equal} 5 mK) that is illuminated for a short time by a standing wave formed by a Nd:YAG laser. This technique would have an impact on laser isotope separation, ion mobility physics, and theoretical atomic physics. The interaction between the atoms and the laser light results in velocity kicks to the atoms along the two directions defined by the photons in the laser standing wave. The velocity kicks force the atoms to form into planes of alternating high and low density downstream. By Bragg scattering near-resonant light off these planes the static polarizability can be determined. The velocity kicks will also cause the atomic density distribution further downstream to take on a bimodal appearance. A measurement of the separation of the peaks of this distribution can be used to determine the polarizability. Here we report our progress on this technique and the present status of the experiments. A new method for producing focused beams of neutrals, ions, and clusters using two-stage laser ablation has been developed as a result of our experiments. 7 refs., 12 figs.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (USA); Princeton Univ., NJ (USA). Dept. of Physics
• Sponsoring Organization: DOE/NE
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 6826767
• Report Number(s): UCRL-CR-104249; ON: DE90017088
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

050500* -- Nuclear Fuels-- Uranium Enrichment
11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360104 -- Metals & Alloys-- Physical Properties
640301 -- Atomic
Molecular & Chemical Physics-- Beams & their Reactions
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ALLOYS
DOCUMENT TYPES
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
ELEMENTS
ISOTOPE SEPARATION
LASERS
MEASURING METHODS
METALS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
POLARIZABILITY
PROGRESS REPORT
REFRACTORY METALS
SCATTERING
SEPARATION PROCESSES