Development of Optical Pumping Technique for Determination of Charge Radii and Nuclear Moments for Fe and Zr isotopes

The first and second-row transition metals span an interesting region in the nuclear landscape, crossing both N = 28-50 neutron magic numbers as well as a debated subshell closure at N = 40. Of interest are charge radii and electromagnetic moments of Fe isotopes across N = 40 in the vicinity of 68Ni, where shape coexistence and rapid development of collectivity are suggested, and Zr isotopes, which have important implications for stewardship science. However, laser spectroscopy studies on transition metals are difficult due to low production rates and unfavorable electronic populations. An optical pumping technique is being developed at the BECOLA facility at NSCL/MSU to redistribute electronic populations to a favorable electronic state for laser spectroscopy. Simulation results for Fe and Zr, and current status of development will be discussed.