Ultracold radioactive Fr atoms in an optical lattice
POSTER
Abstract
Radioactive atoms and molecules are a new frontier in atomic physics currently being explored in cutting edge precision measurements. $^{221}$Fr’s nuclear octupole deformation gives ultracold FrAg molecules enhanced ability to detect hadronic CP violation. We are currently working towards studying atomic francium’s scattering properties through photoassociation spectroscopy. Toward this end, we have expanded TRIUMF’s francium trapping lab’s [1] capabilities by implementing absorption imaging for a more accurate measurement of trapped Fr number and an optical dipole trap for denser and colder samples.
We report evidence of a 1D optical lattice in our apparatus in both Fr and Rb. Using these new capabilities, we have also measured $^{211}$Fr’s D2 atomic transition to an accuracy of 3 MHz. These results demonstrate a step forward in control over ultracold radioactive atoms. TRIUMF’s forthcoming Radioactive Molecules Laboratory will provide the infrastructure necessary for further development of techniques for precision studies of exotic radioactive atoms and molecules.
1. M. Tandecki et al., J. of Instr., 8, 12006 (2013)
We report evidence of a 1D optical lattice in our apparatus in both Fr and Rb. Using these new capabilities, we have also measured $^{211}$Fr’s D2 atomic transition to an accuracy of 3 MHz. These results demonstrate a step forward in control over ultracold radioactive atoms. TRIUMF’s forthcoming Radioactive Molecules Laboratory will provide the infrastructure necessary for further development of techniques for precision studies of exotic radioactive atoms and molecules.
1. M. Tandecki et al., J. of Instr., 8, 12006 (2013)
*NSERC, the "Table-top experiments for fundamental physics" program, sponsored by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Simons Foundation, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and John Templeton Foundation," and NRC
Presenters
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Andrew Lagno
- University of Waterloo