Ultrasensitive isotope trace analyses with a magneto-optical trap.

Journal Article · Thu Nov 04 23:00:00 EST 1999 · Science

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1126/science.286.5442.1139· OSTI ID:942638

Chen, C Y; Li, Y M; Bailey, K; O'Connor, T P

Laser manipulation of neutral atoms has been used to count individual krypton-85 and krypton-81 atoms present in a natural krypton gas sample with isotopic abundances in the range of 10{sup 11} and 10{sup 13}, respectively. This method of isotope trace analysis is free of contamination from other isotopes and elements and can be applied to several different isotope tracers for a wide range of applications. The demonstrated detection efficiency is 1 x 10{sup 7}. System improvements could increase the efficiency by many orders of magnitude.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)
• Sponsoring Organization: SC
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-06CH11357
• OSTI ID: 942638
• Report Number(s): ANL/PHY/JA-33324
• Journal Information: Science, Journal Name: Science Journal Issue: Nov. 5, 1999 Vol. 286; ISSN 0193-4511; ISSN SCEHDK
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: ENGLISH

Related Subjects

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS
ATOMS
CONTAMINATION
DETECTION
EFFICIENCY
ELEMENTS
ISOTOPES
KRYPTON
KRYPTON 81
KRYPTON 85
LASERS
MAGNETO-OPTICAL EFFECTS