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Yamaguchi A, Shigekawa Y, Haba H, Kikunaga H, Shirasaki K, Wada M, Katori H. Laser spectroscopy of triply charged 229Th isomer for a nuclear clock. Nature 2024; 629:62-66. [PMID: 38632410 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07296-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Thorium-229 (229Th) possesses an optical nuclear transition between the ground state (229gTh) and low-lying isomer (229mTh). A nuclear clock based on this nuclear-transition frequency is expected to surpass existing atomic clocks owing to its insusceptibility to surrounding fields1-5. In contrast to other charge states, triply charged 229Th (229Th3+) is the most suitable for highly accurate nuclear clocks because it has closed electronic transitions that enable laser cooling, laser-induced fluorescence detection and state preparation of ions1,6-8. Although laser spectroscopic studies of 229Th3+ in the nuclear ground state have been performed8, properties of 229mTh3+, including its nuclear decay lifetime that is essential to specify the intrinsic linewidth of the nuclear-clock transition, remain unknown. Here we report the trapping of 229mTh3+ continuously supplied by a 233U source and the determination of nuclear decay half-life of the isolated 229mTh3+ to be1,400 - 300 + 600 s through nuclear-state-selective laser spectroscopy. Furthermore, by determining the hyperfine constants of 229mTh3+, we reduced the uncertainty of the sensitivity of the 229Th nuclear clock to variations in the fine-structure constant by a factor of four. These results offer key parameters for the 229Th3+ nuclear clock and its applications in the search for new physics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Yamaguchi
- Quantum Metrology Laboratory, RIKEN, Wako, Japan.
- RIKEN Center for Advanced Photonics, Wako, Japan.
- PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Kawaguchi, Japan.
| | - Yudai Shigekawa
- Nishina Center for Accelerator-Based Science, RIKEN, Wako, Japan
| | - Hiromitsu Haba
- Nishina Center for Accelerator-Based Science, RIKEN, Wako, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Kikunaga
- Research Center for Electron Photon Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kenji Shirasaki
- Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | | | - Hidetoshi Katori
- Quantum Metrology Laboratory, RIKEN, Wako, Japan
- RIKEN Center for Advanced Photonics, Wako, Japan
- Department of Applied Physics, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Naggar AH, Dhmees A, Seaf-Elnasr TA, Chong KF, Ali GAM, Ali HM, Kh Alshamery RM, AlNahwa LHM, Bakr ASA. Eco-friendly and cost-effective adsorbent derived from blast furnace slag with black liquor waste for hazardous remediation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:3872-3886. [PMID: 38093080 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31453-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
The current investigation concerns with preparation eco-friendly and cost-effective adsorbent (mesoporous silica nanoparticles (SBL)) based on black liquor (BL) containing lignin derived from sugarcane bagasse and combining it with sodium silicate derived from blast furnace slag (BFS) for thorium adsorption. Thorium ions were adsorbed from an aqueous solution using the synthesized bio-sorbent (SBL), which was then assessed by X-ray diffraction, BET surface area analysis, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Th(IV) sorption properties, including the pH effect, uptake rate, and sorption isotherms across various temperatures were investigated. The maximum sorption capacity of Th(IV) on SBL is 158.88 mg/L at pH value of 4328 K, and 60 min contact time. We demonstrated that the adsorption processes comport well with pseudo-second-order and Langmuir adsorption models considering the kinetics and equilibrium data. According to thermodynamic inspections results, the Th(IV) adsorption process exhibited endothermic and random behavior suggested by positive ΔH° and ΔS° values, while the negative ΔG° values indicated a spontaneous sorption process. The maximum Th(IV) desorption from the loaded SBL (Th/SBL) was carried out at 0.25 M of NaHCO3 and 60 min of contact. Sorption/desorption processes have five successive cycles. Finally, this study suggests that the recycling of BFS and BL can be exploited for the procurement of a promising Th(IV) adsorbents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed H Naggar
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science and Arts, Jouf University, Al-Qurayyat, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Abdelghaffar Dhmees
- Department of Analysis and Evaluation, Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute (EPRI), Nasr City, Cairo, 11727, Egypt
| | - Tarek A Seaf-Elnasr
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kwok Feng Chong
- Faculty of Industrial Sciences and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, 26300, Gambang, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Gomaa A M Ali
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, 71524, Egypt
| | - Hazim M Ali
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Lubna H M AlNahwa
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Al-Sayed A Bakr
- Department of Analysis and Evaluation, Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute (EPRI), Nasr City, Cairo, 11727, Egypt
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Beloy K. Prospects of a Pb^{2+} Ion Clock. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2021; 127:013201. [PMID: 34270290 PMCID: PMC10202158 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.127.013201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
We propose a high-performance atomic clock based on the 1.81 PHz transition between the ground and first-excited state of doubly ionized lead. Utilizing an even isotope of lead, both clock states have I=J=F=0, where I, J, and F are the conventional quantum numbers specifying nuclear, electronic, and total angular momentum, respectively. The clock states are nondegenerate and completely immune to nonscalar perturbations, including first order Zeeman and electric quadrupole shifts. Additionally, the proposed clock is relatively insusceptible to other frequency shifts (blackbody radiation, second order Zeeman, Doppler), accommodates "magic" rf trapping, and is robust against decoherence mechanisms that can otherwise limit clock stability. By driving the transition as a two-photon E1+M1 process, the accompanying probe Stark shift is appreciable yet manageable for practical Rabi frequencies.
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Tkalya EV. Decay Rate of the Nuclear Isomer ^{229}Th(3/2^{+},7.8 eV) in a Dielectric Sphere, Thin Film, and Metal Cavity. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2018; 120:122501. [PMID: 29694057 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.120.122501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The main decay channels of the anomalous low-energy 3/2^{+}(7.8±0.5 eV) isomeric level of the ^{229}Th nucleus, namely the γ emission and internal conversion, inside a dielectric sphere, dielectric thin film, and conducting spherical microcavity are investigated theoretically, taking into account the effect of media interfaces. It is shown that (1) the γ decay rate of the nuclear isomer inside a dielectric thin film and dielectric microsphere placed in a vacuum or in a metal cavity can decrease (increase) in dozen of times, (2) the γ activity of the distributed source as a function of time can be nonexponential, and (3) the metal cavity, whose size is of the order of the radiation wavelength, does not affect the probability of the internal conversion in ^{229}Th, because the virtual photon attenuates at much shorter distances and the reflected wave is very weak.
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Affiliation(s)
- E V Tkalya
- Skobeltsyn Institute of Nuclear Physics Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie gory, Moscow 119991, Russia
- Nuclear Safety Institute of RAS, Bol'shaya Tulskaya 52, Moscow 115191, Russia
- National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, Kashirskoe shosse 31, Moscow 115409, Russia
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Winkler G, Fellinger J, Seres J, Seres E, Schumm T. Non-planar femtosecond enhancement cavity for VUV frequency comb applications. OPTICS EXPRESS 2016; 24:5253-5262. [PMID: 29092350 DOI: 10.1364/oe.24.005253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
External passive femtosecond enhancement cavities (fsECs) are widely used to increase the efficiency of non-linear conversion processes like high harmonic generation (HHG) at high repetition rates. Their performance is often limited by elliptical beam profiles, caused by oblique incidence on spherical focusing mirrors. We introduce a novel three-dimensionally folded variant of the typical planar bow-tie resonator geometry that guarantees circular beam profiles, maintains linear polarization, and allows for a significantly tighter focus as well as a larger beam cross-section on the cavity mirrors. The scheme is applied to improve focusing in a Ti:Sapphire based VUV frequency comb system, targeting the 5th harmonic around 160 nm (7.8 eV) towards high-precision spectroscopy of the low-energy isomer state of Thorium-229. It will also be beneficial in fsEC-applications with even higher seeding and intracavity power where the damage threshold of the mirrors becomes a major concern.
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Sysoev AA, Troyan VI, Borisyuk PV, Krasavin AV, Vasiliev OS, Palchikov VG, Avdeev IA, Chernyshev DM, Poteshin SS. Multisectional linear ion trap and novel loading method for optical spectroscopy of electron and nuclear transitions. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY (CHICHESTER, ENGLAND) 2015; 21:1-12. [PMID: 25906029 DOI: 10.1255/ejms.1329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
There is a growing need for the development of atomic and nuclear frequency standards because of the important contribution of methods for precision time and frequency measurements to the development of fundamental science, technology, and the economy. It is also conditioned by their potential use in optical clocks and quantum logic applications. It is especially important to develop a universal method that could allow one to use ions of most elements effectively (including ones that are not easily evaporated) proposed for the above-mentioned applications. A linear quadrupole ion trap for the optical spectroscopy of electron and nuclear transitions has been developed and evaluated experimentally. An ion source construction is based on an ultra-high vacuum evaporator in which a metal sample is subjected to an electron beam of energy up to 1 keV, resulting in the appearance of gaseous atoms and ions of various charge state. The linear ion trap consists of five successive quadrupole sections including an entrance quadrupole section, quadrupole mass filter, quadrupole ion guide, ion-trap section, and exit quadrupole section. The same radiofrequency but a different direct current voltage feeds the quadrupole sections. The instrument allows the mass and energy selected trapping of ions from ion beams of various intensities and their localization in the area of laser irradiation. The preliminary results presented show that the proposed instrument and methods allow one to produce effectively up to triply charged thorium ions as well as to trap ions for future spectroscopic study. The instrument is proposed for future use in optical clocks and quantum logic application development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey A Sysoev
- National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute), 115409, Kashirskoe shosse 31, Moscow, Russian Federation. Linantec Ltd, 115409, Kashirskoe shosse 31, Moscow, Russian Federation.
| | - Victor I Troyan
- National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute), 115409, Kashirskoe shosse 31, Moscow, Russian Federation.
| | - Peter V Borisyuk
- National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute), 115409, Kashirskoe shosse 31, Moscow, Russian Federation.
| | - Andrey V Krasavin
- National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute), 115409, Kashirskoe shosse 31, Moscow, Russian Federation.
| | - Oleg S Vasiliev
- National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute), 115409, Kashirskoe shosse 31, Moscow, Russian Federation.
| | - Vitaly G Palchikov
- Institute of Metrology for Time and Space at National Research Institute for Physical-Technical and Radiotechnical Measurements, Mendeleevo, Moscow Region, 141579, Russian Federation.
| | - Ivan A Avdeev
- National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute), 115409, Kashirskoe shosse 31, Moscow, Russian Federation. Linantec Ltd, 115409, Kashirskoe shosse 31, Moscow, Russian Federation.
| | - Denis M Chernyshev
- National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute), 115409, Kashirskoe shosse 31, Moscow, Russian Federation. Linantec Ltd, 115409, Kashirskoe shosse 31, Moscow, Russian Federation.
| | - Sergey S Poteshin
- National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute), 115409, Kashirskoe shosse 31, Moscow, Russian Federation. Linantec Ltd, 115409, Kashirskoe shosse 31, Moscow, Russian Federation.
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Borisyuk PV, Vasil’ev OS, Krasavin AV, Lebedinskii YY, Troyan VI. The band structure of submonolayer thorium coatings on a silicon oxide surface. COLLOID JOURNAL 2014. [DOI: 10.1134/s1061933x14060039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Beloy K. Hyperfine structure in 229gTh3+ as a probe of the 229gTh→ 229mTh nuclear excitation energy. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2014; 112:062503. [PMID: 24580690 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.112.062503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
We identify a potential means to extract the 229gTh→ 229mTh nuclear excitation energy from precision microwave spectroscopy of the 5F(5/2,7/2) hyperfine manifolds in the ion 229gTh3+. The hyperfine interaction mixes this ground fine structure doublet with states of the nuclear isomer, introducing small but observable shifts to the hyperfine sublevels. We demonstrate how accurate atomic structure calculations may be combined with the measurement of the hyperfine intervals to quantify the effects of this mixing. Further knowledge of the magnetic dipole decay rate of the isomer, as recently reported, allows an indirect determination of the nuclear excitation energy.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Beloy
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, 325 Broadway, Boulder, Colorado 80305, USA
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Zhao X, Martinez de Escobar YN, Rundberg R, Bond EM, Moody A, Vieira DJ. Observation of the deexcitation of the (229m)Th nuclear isomer. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2012; 109:160801. [PMID: 23215066 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.109.160801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The (229)Th nucleus possesses the lowest-energy nuclear isomeric state. Two widely accepted indirect measurements of the transition energy place it within reach of existing laser capabilities. Direct searches for the isomer deexcitation have proven elusive despite extensive effort over the past couple of decades. There is now a growing interest in finding this unique transition because of its potential applications in nuclear, atomic, condensed matter, and optical physics, quantum information, metrology, and cosmology, including the development of a new type of clock based on this nuclear transition. In this Letter we report the first direct observation of the deexcitation of the lowest-lying isomeric state in (229)Th. By collecting (229)Th recoils following the alpha decay of (233)U into MgF(2) plates and measuring the subsequent light emission, we have isolated the isomer deexcitation and measured the transition's half-life to be 6±1 h. Through comparison measurements with (235m)U isomer, we found that the observed (229m)Th deexcitation signal originates from photon emission rather than internal conversion electron emission. This discovery lays the groundwork for optical and laser spectroscopy of (229m)Th nuclear isomer and the development of a (229)Th nuclear clock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Zhao
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, USA
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Campbell CJ, Radnaev AG, Kuzmich A. Wigner crystals of 229Th for optical excitation of the nuclear isomer. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2011; 106:223001. [PMID: 21702597 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.106.223001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
We have produced laser-cooled Wigner crystals of 229Th3+ in a linear Paul trap. The magnetic dipole (A) and electric quadrupole (B) hyperfine constants for four low-lying electronic levels and the relative isotope shifts with respect to 232Th3+ for three low-lying optical transitions are measured. Using the hyperfine B constants in conjunction with prior atomic structure calculations, a new value of the spectroscopic nuclear electric quadrupole moment Q=3.11(16) eb is deduced. These results are a step towards optical excitation of the low-lying isomer level in the 229Th nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Campbell
- School of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0430, USA
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