Laser Excitation of the Th-229 Nucleus

Tiedau, J.; Okhapkin, M. V.; Zhang, K.; Thielking, J.; Zitzer, G.; Peik, E.; Schaden, F.; Pronebner, T.; Morawetz, I.; De Col, L. Toscani; Schneider, F.; Leitner, A.; Pressler, M.; Kazakov, G. A.; Beeks, K.; Sikorsky, T.; Schumm, T.

doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.132.182501

Title: Laser Excitation of the Th-229 Nucleus

Journal Article · 28 April 2024 · Physical Review Letters

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.132.182501 · OSTI ID:2341708

;

; Schaden, F.;

; Morawetz, I.;

;

; Leitner, A.; Pressler, M.;

;

; Sikorsky, T.;

The 8.4 eV nuclear isomer state in Th-229 is resonantly excited in Th-doped ${CaF}_{2}$ crystals using a tabletop tunable laser system. A resonance fluorescence signal is observed in two crystals with different Th-229 dopant concentrations, while it is absent in a control experiment using Th-232. The nuclear resonance for the ${Th}^{4 +}$ ions in Th: ${CaF}_{2}$ is measured at the wavelength 148.3821(5) nm, frequency 2020.409(7) THz, and the fluorescence lifetime in the crystal is 630(15) s, corresponding to an isomer half-life of 1740(50) s for a nucleus isolated in vacuum. These results pave the way toward Th-229 nuclear laser spectroscopy and realizing optical nuclear clocks. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

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Research Organization:: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE

Grant/Contract Number:: AC05-00OR22725

OSTI ID:: 2341708

Journal Information:: Physical Review Letters, Journal Name: Physical Review Letters Journal Issue: 18 Vol. 132; ISSN 0031-9007; ISSN PRLTAO

Publisher:: American Physical SocietyCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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