Erlangen 2018 – scientific programme
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Q: Fachverband Quantenoptik und Photonik
Q 13: Laser Development and Applications (joint session Q/A)
Q 13.7: Talk
Monday, March 5, 2018, 15:30–15:45, K 0.023
Atom Trap Trace Analysis: Pushing the volume limit for radiometric dating with applied quantum technology — •Lisa Ringena1, Zhongyi Feng1, Sven Ebser1, Maximilian Schmidt1, Arne Kersting2, Emeline Mathouchanh2, Philip Hopkins2, Viola Rädle2, Werner Aeschbach2, and Markus K. Oberthaler1 — 1Kirchhoff-Institut für Physik, Universität Heidelberg — 2Institut für Umweltphysik, Universität Heidelberg
Argon Trap Trace Analysis (ArTTA) applies quantum technology to establish an ultra-sensitive detection method for the radioisotope 39Ar. This isotope, with a half-life of 269 years, serves as an unique tracer for dating of environmental samples. The atom of interest is distinguished from the huge background of abundant isotopes by utilizing its shift in optical resonance frequency due to differences in mass and nuclear spin. This selectivity is realized by the multitude of scattering processes in a magneto-optical trap (MOT), where single atoms are captured and detected [1]. Recently the instrument has been upgraded to operate with a minimum of 1mL STP argon gas, degassed from about 2.5L of water, drastically decreasing the effort invested in environmental studies such as ocean depth profiles, and making dating of glacier ice feasible. Paving the way towards routine operation, measures have been taken to increase the stability of the experiment, such as the setup of a new laser system. We will present systematic studies of the apparatus, which show a doubled count rate, leading to shorter measurement times and reduction of statistical errors.
[1] Ritterbusch et al., GRL 2014, DOI: 10.1002/2014GL061120