6533b82afe1ef96bd128c441

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Developments for resonance ionization laser spectroscopy of the heaviest elements at SHIP

Dieter AckermannMichael BlockF. P. HeßbergerF. LautenschlägerWerner LauthBradley ChealM. LaatiaouiF. GiacoppoC. DroeseP. ChhetriAdam H. ClarkTh. WaltherRafael FerrerC. WraithO. KalejaJ. KhuyagbaatarS. GötzHartmut BackeS. RaederPeter KunzA. K. Mistry

subject

YtterbiumNuclear and High Energy Physics010308 nuclear & particles physicschemistry.chemical_elementInstrumental chemistry01 natural sciencesAtmospheric-pressure laser ionizationchemistryExcited state0103 physical sciencesPhysics::Atomic PhysicsNobeliumLaser-induced breakdown spectroscopyIonization energyAtomic physics010306 general physicsSpectroscopyInstrumentation

description

Abstract The experimental determination of atomic levels and the first ionization potential of the heaviest elements ( Z ⩾ 100 ) is key to challenge theoretical predictions and to reveal changes in the atomic shell structure. These elements are only artificially produced in complete-fusion evaporation reactions at on-line facilities such as the GSI in Darmstadt at a rate of, at most, a few atoms per second. Hence, highly sensitive spectroscopic methods are required. Laser spectroscopy is one of the most powerful and valuable tools to investigate atomic properties. In combination with a buffer-gas filled stopping cell, the Radiation Detected Resonance Ionization Spectroscopy (RADRIS) technique provides the highest sensitivity for laser spectroscopy on the heaviest elements. The RADRIS setup, as well as the measurement procedure, have been optimized and characterized using the α -emitter 155 Yb in on-line conditions, resulting in an overall efficiency well above 1%. This paves the way for a successful search of excited atomic levels in nobelium and heavier elements.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nimb.2016.06.001