Gas-Phase Ion Chemistry with FIONA

Identifying the fundamental physical and chemical properties of elements is critical for their correct placement on the periodic table. These properties are least understood for the heavy and superheavy elements (Z ≥ 100).  The strong concentration of positive charge in the nuclei of these elements is predicted to result in relativistic behavior of the orbital electrons and therefore different chemistry compared to their lighter homologs. Studies to investigate these properties are difficult due to the low production rates and short-half lives of Z ≥ 100 elements.
The 88" Cyclotron Facility at LBNL is uniquely equipped to conduct such experiments. Recently, a proof of principle method to perform gas-phase ion chemistry was demonstrated,  using the Berkeley Gas-Filled Separator (BGS) coupled to the ion-transport line For the Identification of Nuclide A (FIONA). When the ions enter FIONA they are stopped and bunched.  Ions are then exposed to a reactive gas for a period of time before being ejected and sent to a low-background area where they can be counted based on their mass-to-charge ratio (A/q). This method provides an opportunity to investigate the fundamental properties at the limits of matter. First results will be presented.