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New technology: capturing single ion.

Author(s) : URABE S.

Type of article: Article

Summary

The purpose of this research is to capture one atom and keep it still, so as to be able to observe directly the transition in which the atom absorbs and emits photons, with quantun jumps of energy levels (conventional experiments use massive groups of millions of atoms to investigate this property). American and West German research groups have observed, in 1986, single ion quantum jumps, using barium and mercury ions captured and cooled in an ion trap: a laser beam cools the ions to an ultra-low temperature, slowing their movement by repeated absorption and release of photons to enable more accurate observation. One practical application of cooled ions is the frequency standard achieved by the use of the optical and microwave narrow absorption line of the ion. J.V.

Details

  • Original title: New technology: capturing single ion.
  • Record ID : 1995-2059
  • Languages: English
  • Source: Look Jap. - vol. 40 - n. 459
  • Publication date: 1994/06
  • Document available for consultation in the library of the IIR headquarters only.

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