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Center for Nonlinear Studies |
The nucleus of the 229-Th isotope is unique in that is possesses a very low energy (7.5 eV) nuclear isomer. It may be possible to someday drive this transition coherently, opening the way for a new kind of optical clock and more precise measurements of fundamental constants. The Th3+ ion is an ideal candidate for such work because of its simplified level structure and potentially long trap lifetime. I will present the recent progress towards the realization of an optical nuclear frequency standard, namely the trapping and observation of 232-Th3+ ions, by the Chapman and Kuzmich research groups at Georgia Tech. PLEASE NOTE TIME OF TALK IS 12:00 - 1:00pm.
Host: Xinxin Zhao, C-NR