Mainz 2017 – scientific programme
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Q: Fachverband Quantenoptik und Photonik
Q 53: Poster: Quantum Optics and Photonics III
Q 53.41: Poster
Thursday, March 9, 2017, 17:00–19:00, P OG2
Collective effects in driving the 229Th nuclear transition — •Brenden S. Nickerson and Adriana Pálffy — Max-Planck-Institut für Kernphysik, Heidelberg, Germany
The high accuracy of atomic clocks lies behind the success of the Global Positioning System, which requires synchronization of orbiting satellites for triangulation. More precise clocks are desirable for challenging Einstein’s theory of general relativity or for Earth-observation satellites tracking the sea level, and would generally allow to push the bounds of observable physics. The unique lowest transition in the 229Th nucleus with frequency in the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) range and very narrow linewidth promises enhanced precision and amazing stability [1]. This level is a nuclear isomeric state at approx. 7.8 eV that can be reached by VUV lasers. A very exact measurement of the isomeric transition energy has been elusive, with the first confirmation of the level decay coming only recently [2].
Here we investigate the possibility to exploit collective effects in order to design a more sensitive nuclear excitation scheme in the process of scattering of light through a Th-doped crystal. The crystalline environment enforces the Mossbauer regime, allowing for recoil-free emission and absorption and collective behaviour [3]. By taking advantage of such effects we aim to resolve not only the transition energy but provide a clear signature of the excitation.
[1] W. G. Rellergert et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 104, 200802 (2010).
[2] L. von der Wense et al., Nature 533, 47-51 (2016).
[3] W.-T. Liao et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 109, 262502 (2012).