Orateur
Description
Optical spectroscopy of superheavy elements is an experimental challenge. The production yields of the elements are about one atom per second or even less, the half-lives are extremely short, and the atomic structure is uncharted experimental territory. Conventional spectroscopy techniques based on fluorescence detection are no longer suitable because they lack the sensitivity required to study superheavy elements. Resonance ionization spectroscopy has proven sensitive enough to study the atomic structure of the element nobelium (No, element number 102) [1] and is now being continuously developed to probe the next heavier element, lawrencium (Lr, element number 103).
Recently proposed laser resonance chromatography (LRC) [2] could remedy this situation by providing sufficient sensitivity for the study of superheavy ions and overcoming the difficulties associated with other methods. The novel method combines the element selectivity and spectral precision of laser spectroscopy with the cutting-edge technology of ion mobility spectrometry. Its successful application in the realm of superheavy elements would not only improve our understanding of the existence and functioning of such synthetic and exotic atoms, but also provide valuable data for astronomers searching for possible production sites of such elements in the universe.
In my talk, I will introduce the LRC technique and setup and show initial results from inauguration experiments before presenting prospects for the spectroscopy of Lr+ cations.
This work is supported by the European Research Council (ERC) (Grant Agreement No. 819957).
References:
[1] M. Laatiaoui et al., Nature 538 (2016) 495.
[2] M. Laatiaoui et al., PRL 125 (2020) 023002.
