0000000000525710
AUTHOR
Nina Kneip
Detection of missing low-lying atomic states in actinium
Two lowest-energy odd-parity atomic levels of actinium, 7s^27p 2P^o_1/2, 7s^27p 2P^o_3/2, were observed via two-step resonant laser-ionization spectroscopy and their respective energies were measured to be 7477.36(4) cm^-1 and 12 276.59(2) cm^-1. The lifetimes of these states were determined as 668(11) ns and 255(7) ns, respectively. In addition, these properties were calculated using a hybrid approach that combines configuration interaction and coupled-cluster methods in good agreement. The data are of relevance for understanding the complex atomic spectra of actinides and for developing efficient laser-cooling and ionization schemes for actinium, with possible applications for high-purity…
Detection of the Lowest-Lying Odd-Parity Atomic Levels in Actinium
Two lowest-energy odd-parity atomic levels of actinium, 7s27pP21/2o, 7s27pP23/2o, were observed via two-step resonant laser-ionization spectroscopy and their respective energies were measured to be 7477.36(4) and 12 276.59(2) cm-1. The lifetimes of these states were determined as 668(11) and 255(7) ns, respectively. In addition, we observed the effect of the hyperfine structure on the line for the transition to P23/2o. These properties were calculated using a hybrid approach that combines configuration interaction and coupled-cluster methods, in good agreement with the experiment. The data are of relevance for understanding the complex atomic spectra of actinides and for developing efficien…
New horizons in microparticle forensics: Actinide imaging and detection of 238Pu and 242mAm in hot particles
Description
Recent developments in resonance ionization mass spectrometry for ultra-trace analysis of actinide elements
Abstract Resonance ionization mass spectrometry is an efficient tool to detect minute amounts of long-lived radio-isotopes in environmental samples. Applying resonant excitation and ionization with pulsed laser radiation within a hot cavity atomizer enables the sensitive detection and precise quantification of long-lived actinide isotopes. Due to the inherently element selective ionization process, this method ensures ultimate suppression of contaminations from other elements and molecules. The characterization of in-source resonance ionization of the actinide elements U, Th, Np, and Am using a compact quadrupole mass spectrometer (QMS) setup are discussed.