Trapping triply ionized thorium isotopes

Nuclear isomer;Electron bridge;Barium;Multiple ionization;Ion trap;Thorium

Churchill, Layne Russell ; Physics

University:Georgia Institute of Technology

Department:Physics

关键词: Nuclear isomer;    Electron bridge;    Barium;    Multiple ionization;    Ion trap;    Thorium;   

Others  :  https://smartech.gatech.edu/bitstream/1853/37161/1/churchill_layne_r_201012_phd.pdf

美国|英语

来源: SMARTech Repository

【 摘 要 】

Cold trapped ions have many applications in quantum information science and precision metrology.In this thesis, we present progress toward two objectives involving ions confined to linear RF traps:the strong coupling of Ba+ ions with a high finesse optical cavity, and the observation of an optical nuclear transition in 229Th3+.In pursuit of the first objective, a novel high-temperture vapor cell for the spectroscopy of neutral barium was constructed.Using this vapor cell, a new technique for isotope-selective photoionization loading of Ba+ in an ion trap was developed.In pursuit of the second objective, techniques ultimately to be used in creating, trapping, and observing 229Th3+ are studied using 232Th3+.Ion traps are loaded with 232Th3+ via laser ablation of thorium targets.232Th3+ is detected optically using laser-induced fluorescence and electronically using a channel electron multiplier.A technique for creating ablation targets from trace quantities of thorium nitrate is presented.The primary loss mechanisms of Th3+, charge exchange and chemical reactions, are studied.