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Center for Nonlinear Studies |
The TRIP group (Trapped Radioactive Isotopes: micro-laboratories for fundamental Physics) in Groningen, The Netherlands, studies fundamental interactions in nature, in particular to search for new physics beyond the Standard Model (SM) of particle physics. Recently, a new project was started within this group: Two Ra+ experiments are under construction. A single, trapped radium ion is an ideal candidate for high precision experiments. Ultra-narrow transitions in radium ions provide an excellent basis for an all-optical, high-stability frequency standard, i.e. a clock. The o?-the-shelf availability of semiconductor lasers for all necessary transitions is highly advantageous. In 223Ra, the nuclear electric quadrupole shift is absent. The same system and experimental hardware will be used to search for physics beyond the SM by measuring Atomic Parity Violation. It will serve as a low-energy test of the running of the electroweak mixing angle. Recent calculations have shown Ra+ to be the superior candidate. We have succeeded in the production, e?cient slowing down and first-ever trapping of isotopes around 213Ra at the AGOR cyclotron and the TRIP facility of KVI. Progress has been made in the development of ion traps and in the laser set-up in a dedicated laser laboratory. Laser spectroscopy of the trapped radium ions is planned in the very near future.
Host: Malcolm Boshier