Physical Review A

Investigation of the 2 S 1 / 2 − 2 D 5 / 2 clock transition in a single ytterbium ion

P. Taylor, M. Roberts, S. Gateva, Roger B. M. Clarke, G. P. Barwood, W. R. C. Rowley, Patrick Robert Gill

Published Oct 1, 1997• 70 citations

Abstract

The suitability of the 411-nm ${}^{2}{S}_{1/2}{\ensuremath{-}}^{2}{D}_{5/2}$ transition in ${\mathrm{Yb}}^{+}$ is assessed as an optical frequency standard. The lifetime of the ${}^{2}{D}_{5/2}$ level has been measured and found to be 7.2\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3 ms, which implies a natural linewidth of 22.2\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.9 Hz for the 411-nm transition. In addition to a decay to the ground state the ${}^{2}{D}_{5/2}$ level can decay into the highly metastable ${}^{2}{F}_{7/2}$ level where it is trapped. The branching ratio for decay into the ${}^{2}{F}_{7/2}$ level has been measured and found to be 0.83\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03. A transition capable of rapidly depopulating the ${}^{2}{F}_{7/2}$ level and returning the ion to the cooling cycle has been demonstrated. This has enabled a quantum jump measurement of the 411-nm transition in ${}^{172}{\mathrm{Yb}}^{+}$ to be performed, yielding a center frequency of 729 476 869.13(0.42) MHz (1\ensuremath{\sigma}).

DOI: 10.1103/physreva.56.2699

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Measurement of the 2 S1/2 −2 D5/2 411-nm interval in laser-cooled trapped Yb+172 ions

Patrick Robert Gill, Hugh A. Klein, Andrew P. Levick +3 more

Physical Review AAug 1, 199523 citations

Measurement of the 2 S 1 / 2 − 2 D 5 / 2 clock transition in a single 171 Yb + ion

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Physical Review AJan 12, 200058 citations

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Physical Review LettersMar 10, 1997128 citations

Subkilohertz comparison of the single-ion optical-clock 2S1/2−2D5/2 transition in two 88Sr+ traps

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High-resolution spectroscopy of a single In+ ion: Progress towards an optical frequency standard

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Physical Review A

Investigation of the 2 S 1 / 2 − 2 D 5 / 2 clock transition in a single ytterbium ion

P. Taylor, M. Roberts, S. Gateva, Roger B. M. Clarke, G. P. Barwood, W. R. C. Rowley, Patrick Robert Gill

Published Oct 1, 1997• 70 citations

Publisher

Abstract

The suitability of the 411-nm

{}^{2}{S}_{1/2}{\ensuremath{-}}^{2}{D}_{5/2}

transition in

{\mathrm{Yb}}^{+}

is assessed as an optical frequency standard. The lifetime of the

{}^{2}{D}_{5/2}

level has been measured and found to be 7.2\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3 ms, which implies a natural linewidth of 22.2\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.9 Hz for the 411-nm transition. In addition to a decay to the ground state the

{}^{2}{D}_{5/2}

level can decay into the highly metastable

{}^{2}{F}_{7/2}

level where it is trapped. The branching ratio for decay into the

{}^{2}{F}_{7/2}

level has been measured and found to be 0.83\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03. A transition capable of rapidly depopulating the

{}^{2}{F}_{7/2}

level and returning the ion to the cooling cycle has been demonstrated. This has enabled a quantum jump measurement of the 411-nm transition in

{}^{172}{\mathrm{Yb}}^{+}

to be performed, yielding a center frequency of 729 476 869.13(0.42) MHz (1\ensuremath{\sigma}).

DOI: 10.1103/physreva.56.2699

Related papers

Measurement of the 2 S1/2 −2 D5/2 411-nm interval in laser-cooled trapped Yb+172 ions

Patrick Robert Gill, Hugh A. Klein, Andrew P. Levick +3 more

The 4${\mathit{f}}^{14} $6s$ {\mathrm{}}^{2}$${\mathit{S}}_{1/2}$--4${\mathit{f}}^{14}$5d${\mathrm{}}^{2}$${\mathit{D}}_{5/2}$ 411-nm transition in $^{172}\mathrm{Yb}^{+}$ has been measured to be 729 476 868(11) MHz. The frequency was determined by probing a cold cloud of a few $^{172}\mathrm{Yb}^{+}$ ions held in a radio-frequency trap. The frequency measurement is part of a program to locate the 4${\mathit{f}}^{14} $6s$ {\mathrm{}}^{2}$${\mathit{S}}_{1/2}$--4${\mathit{f}}^{13}$6${\mathit{s}}^{2}$${\mathrm{}}^{2}$${\mathit{F}}_{7/2}$ 467-nm ultranarrow transition in laser-cooled ${\mathrm{Yb}}^{+}$. The 4${\mathit{f}}^{13}$6${\mathit{s}}^{2}$${\mathrm{}}^{2}$${\mathit{F}}_{7/2}$--4${\mathit{f}}^{13}$5d6s${\mathrm{}}^{1}$D[K= 5/2${]}_{\mathit{J}=5/2}$ transition at 638 nm has been driven in order to depopulate the 4${\mathit{f}}^{13}$6${\mathit{s}}^{2}$${\mathrm{}}^{2}$ ${\mathit{F}}_{7/2}$ state.The 4${\mathit{f}}^{14}$6s${\mathrm{}}^{2}$${\mathit{S}}_{1/2}$--4${\mathit{f}}^{14}$5d${\mathrm{}}^{2}$${\mathit{D}}_{5/2}$ 411-nm transition in $^{172}\mathrm{Yb}^{+}$ has been measured to be 729 476 868(11) MHz. The frequency was determined by probing a cold cloud of a few $^{172}\mathrm{Yb}^{+}$ ions held in a radio-frequency trap. The frequency measurement is part of a program to locate the 4${\mathit{f}}^{14}$6s${\mathrm{}}^{2}$${\mathit{S}}_{1/2}$--4${\mathit{f}}^{13}$6${\mathit{s}}^{2}$${\mathrm{}}^{2}$${\mathit{F}}_{7/2}$ 467-nm ultranarrow transition in laser-cooled ${\mathrm{Yb}}^{+}$. The 4${\mathit{f}}^{13}$6${\mathit{s}}^{2}$${\mathrm{}}^{2}$${\mathit{F}}_{7/2}$--4${\mathit{f}}^{13}$5d6s${\mathrm{}}^{1}$D[K= 5/2${]}_{\mathit{J}=5/2}$ transition at 638 nm has been driven in order to depopulate the 4${\mathit{f}}^{13}$6${\mathit{s}}^{2}$${\mathrm{}}^{2}$${\mathit{F}}_{7/2}$ state.

Physical Review AAug 1, 199523 citations

Measurement of the 2 S 1 / 2 − 2 D 5 / 2 clock transition in a single 171 Yb + ion

M. Roberts, P. Taylor, S. Gateva +3 more

Spectroscopy of the 411-nm transition in ${}^{171}{\mathrm{Yb}}^{+}$ has been performed and the feasibility of its use as an optical frequency standard has been demonstrated. The ${}^{2}{S}_{1/2}(F=0, {m}_{F}=0){--}^{2}{D}_{5/2}(F=2, {m}_{F}=0)$ frequency, at zero-magnetic field, has been measured to be 729 487 779 566(153) kHz. This transition is free from the first-order Zeeman shift and has a measured second-order shift of +0.38(8) Hz/(\ensuremath{\mu} ${\mathrm{T})}^{2}$ . In addition, the hyperfine structure of the ${}^{2}{D}_{5/2}$ level has been deduced by driving the other hyperfine components of the 411-nm transition, showing it to be inverted. The ${}^{2}{D}_{5/2}$ hyperfine splitting, measured to be -191(2) MHz, implies an A factor of -63.6(7) MHz. These data taken in conjunction with previous work yield an isotope shift of ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{171}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{172}=+1317.1(1.3)\mathrm{MHz}$ for this transition between the 171 and 172 isotopes.Spectroscopy of the 411-nm transition in ${}^{171}{\mathrm{Yb}}^{+}$ has been performed and the feasibility of its use as an optical frequency standard has been demonstrated. The ${}^{2}{S}_{1/2}(F=0, {m}_{F}=0){--}^{2}{D}_{5/2}(F=2, {m}_{F}=0)$ frequency, at zero-magnetic field, has been measured to be 729 487 779 566(153) kHz. This transition is free from the first-order Zeeman shift and has a measured second-order shift of +0.38(8) Hz/(\ensuremath{\mu}${\mathrm{T})}^{2}$. In addition, the hyperfine structure of the ${}^{2}{D}_{5/2}$ level has been deduced by driving the other hyperfine components of the 411-nm transition, showing it to be inverted. The ${}^{2}{D}_{5/2}$ hyperfine splitting, measured to be -191(2) MHz, implies an A factor of -63.6(7) MHz. These data taken in conjunction with previous work yield an isotope shift of ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{171}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{172}=+1317.1(1.3)\mathrm{MHz}$ for this transition between the 171 and 172 isotopes.

Physical Review AOct 1, 199959 citations

Lifetime measurements of the 4f145d metastable states in single ytterbium ions

Nan Yu, Lute Maleki

The ytterbium ion has a rich level structure of low-lying states, and is one of the most widely used in experiments with trapped ions. We have measured the radiative lifetimes for the two ${4f}^{14}5d$ metastable states using single ytterbium ions confined in a rf trap. The obtained lifetimes for ${D}_{3/2}$ and ${D}_{5/2}$ states are 52.7(2.4) and 7.0(0.4) ms, respectively. The results are in good agreement with previously measured values, but differ significantly from theoretical estimates. The ${P}_{1/2}$ branching ratio into ${D}_{3/2}$ has also been obtained from the experiment to be 0.0483 with a 9% uncertainty.The ytterbium ion has a rich level structure of low-lying states, and is one of the most widely used in experiments with trapped ions. We have measured the radiative lifetimes for the two ${4f}^{14}5d$ metastable states using single ytterbium ions confined in a rf trap. The obtained lifetimes for ${D}_{3/2}$ and ${D}_{5/2}$ states are 52.7(2.4) and 7.0(0.4) ms, respectively. The results are in good agreement with previously measured values, but differ significantly from theoretical estimates. The ${P}_{1/2}$ branching ratio into ${D}_{3/2}$ has also been obtained from the experiment to be 0.0483 with a 9% uncertainty.

Physical Review AJan 12, 200058 citations

Observation of an Electric Octupole Transition in a Single Ion

M. Roberts, P. Taylor, G. P. Barwood +3 more

The $^{2}S_{1/2}\ensuremath{-}^{2}F_{7/2}$ electric octupole $(E3)$ transition in ${}^{172}{\mathrm{Yb}}^{+}$ has been detected by observing quantum jumps in a single laser cooled ion, stored in an electrodynamic trap. The transition frequency is 642 116 785.3(0.7) MHz $(1\ensuremath{\sigma})$. Consideration of the transition rate and laser parameters implies a $^{2}F_{7/2}$ level lifetime of 3700 days. This is the first time an atomic $E3$ transition has been driven. This transition has applications as an optical frequency reference.The $^{2}S_{1/2}\ensuremath{-}^{2}F_{7/2}$ electric octupole $(E3)$ transition in ${}^{172}{\mathrm{Yb}}^{+}$ has been detected by observing quantum jumps in a single laser cooled ion, stored in an electrodynamic trap. The transition frequency is 642 116 785.3(0.7) MHz $(1\ensuremath{\sigma})$. Consideration of the transition rate and laser parameters implies a $^{2}F_{7/2}$ level lifetime of 3700 days. This is the first time an atomic $E3$ transition has been driven. This transition has applications as an optical frequency reference.

Physical Review LettersMar 10, 1997128 citations

Subkilohertz comparison of the single-ion optical-clock 2S1/2−2D5/2 transition in two 88Sr+ traps

G. P. Barwood, Guozheng Huang, Hugh A. Klein +2 more

A simultaneous observation of the optical-clock ${}^{2}{S}_{1/2}{\ensuremath{-}}^{2}{D}_{5/2}$ transition at 674 nm, in two separately trapped single ${}^{88}{\mathrm{Sr}}^{+}$ ions, is reported. Two nominally identical miniature rf Paul traps were used together with a 674-nm sideband-injection-locked extended-cavity diode laser. This ``slave'' laser was optically phase locked about 650 MHz away from a ``master'' diode laser, which was itself locked to a high-finesse, ultra-low-expansion (ULE) cavity. The ULE cavity was temperature-stabilized and suspended in an evacuated enclosure, and provided an ``optical flywheel'' reference standard with a relative drift rate of better than 1 part in ${10}^{11}$ per hour. The difference between center frequencies of the single ${}^{88}{\mathrm{Sr}}^{+}$ -ion 674-nm (445-THz) transition multiplet in two traps was 120(90) Hz (one standard uncertainty). Thus the two trap center frequencies agree to 3 parts in ${10}^{13}.$ A simultaneous observation of the optical-clock ${}^{2}{S}_{1/2}{\ensuremath{-}}^{2}{D}_{5/2}$ transition at 674 nm, in two separately trapped single ${}^{88}{\mathrm{Sr}}^{+}$ ions, is reported. Two nominally identical miniature rf Paul traps were used together with a 674-nm sideband-injection-locked extended-cavity diode laser. This ``slave'' laser was optically phase locked about 650 MHz away from a ``master'' diode laser, which was itself locked to a high-finesse, ultra-low-expansion (ULE) cavity. The ULE cavity was temperature-stabilized and suspended in an evacuated enclosure, and provided an ``optical flywheel'' reference standard with a relative drift rate of better than 1 part in ${10}^{11}$ per hour. The difference between center frequencies of the single ${}^{88}{\mathrm{Sr}}^{+}$-ion 674-nm (445-THz) transition multiplet in two traps was 120(90) Hz (one standard uncertainty). Thus the two trap center frequencies agree to 3 parts in ${10}^{13}.$

Physical Review AMay 1, 199927 citations

High-resolution spectroscopy of a single In+ ion: Progress towards an optical frequency standard

Th. Becker, Joachim von Zanthier, Alexander Yu. Nevsky +4 more

The ${5s}^{2}{}^{1}{S}_{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}5s5p{}^{3}{P}_{0}$ transition of a single laser-cooled ${}^{115}{\mathrm{In}}^{+}$ ion in a miniature radiofrequency trap is investigated as a possible optical frequency standard. This line at a frequency of 1267 THz (wavelength 236.5 nm) is highly immune to frequency shifts due to external perturbations so that the expected systematic uncertainties can be reduced to the millihertz level. Experimentally, we obtained a fractional resolution $\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\nu}/\ensuremath{\nu}=1.3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}13}$ (linewidth 170 Hz), limited by the frequency instability of the laser used for excitation. The g factor and the lifetime of the metastable ${}^{3}{P}_{0}$ level were measured as ${g(}^{3}{P}_{0})=\ensuremath{-}9.87(5)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ and $\ensuremath{\tau}{(}^{3}{P}_{0})=0.195(8) \mathrm{s}.$ Both values are in good agreement with perturbative calculations, based on hyperfine mixing between the ${}^{1}P$ and ${}^{3}P$ levels.The ${5s}^{2}{}^{1}{S}_{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}5s5p{}^{3}{P}_{0}$ transition of a single laser-cooled ${}^{115}{\mathrm{In}}^{+}$ ion in a miniature radiofrequency trap is investigated as a possible optical frequency standard. This line at a frequency of 1267 THz (wavelength 236.5 nm) is highly immune to frequency shifts due to external perturbations so that the expected systematic uncertainties can be reduced to the millihertz level. Experimentally, we obtained a fractional resolution $\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\nu}/\ensuremath{\nu}=1.3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}13}$ (linewidth 170 Hz), limited by the frequency instability of the laser used for excitation. The g factor and the lifetime of the metastable ${}^{3}{P}_{0}$ level were measured as ${g(}^{3}{P}_{0})=\ensuremath{-}9.87(5)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ and $\ensuremath{\tau}{(}^{3}{P}_{0})=0.195(8) \mathrm{s}.$ Both values are in good agreement with perturbative calculations, based on hyperfine mixing between the ${}^{1}P$ and ${}^{3}P$ levels.

Physical Review AApr 16, 2001106 citations

The suitability of the 411-nm

{}^{2}{S}_{1/2}{\ensuremath{-}}^{2}{D}_{5/2}

transition in

{\mathrm{Yb}}^{+}

is assessed as an optical frequency standard. The lifetime of the

{}^{2}{D}_{5/2}

{}^{2}{D}_{5/2}

level can decay into the highly metastable

{}^{2}{F}_{7/2}

level where it is trapped. The branching ratio for decay into the

{}^{2}{F}_{7/2}

level has been measured and found to be 0.83\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03. A transition capable of rapidly depopulating the

{}^{2}{F}_{7/2}

level and returning the ion to the cooling cycle has been demonstrated. This has enabled a quantum jump measurement of the 411-nm transition in

{}^{172}{\mathrm{Yb}}^{+}

to be performed, yielding a center frequency of 729 476 869.13(0.42) MHz (1\ensuremath{\sigma}).

The 4${\mathit{f}}^{14}

6s

{\mathrm{}}^{2}$${\mathit{S}}_{1/2}$--4${\mathit{f}}^{14}$5d${\mathrm{}}^{2}$${\mathit{D}}_{5/2}$ 411-nm transition in

^{172}\mathrm{Yb}^{+}

has been measured to be 729 476 868(11) MHz. The frequency was determined by probing a cold cloud of a few

^{172}\mathrm{Yb}^{+}

ions held in a radio-frequency trap. The frequency measurement is part of a program to locate the 4${\mathit{f}}^{14}

6s

{\mathrm{}}^{2}$${\mathit{S}}_{1/2}$--4${\mathit{f}}^{13}$6${\mathit{s}}^{2}$${\mathrm{}}^{2}$${\mathit{F}}_{7/2}$ 467-nm ultranarrow transition in laser-cooled ${\mathrm{Yb}}^{+}$. The 4${\mathit{f}}^{13}$6${\mathit{s}}^{2}$${\mathrm{}}^{2}$${\mathit{F}}_{7/2}$--4${\mathit{f}}^{13}$5d6s${\mathrm{}}^{1}$D[K= 5/2${]}_{\mathit{J}=5/2}$ transition at 638 nm has been driven in order to depopulate the 4${\mathit{f}}^{13}$6${\mathit{s}}^{2}$${\mathrm{}}^{2}$

{\mathit{F}}_{7/2}

state.

Spectroscopy of the 411-nm transition in

{}^{171}{\mathrm{Yb}}^{+}

has been performed and the feasibility of its use as an optical frequency standard has been demonstrated. The

{}^{2}{S}_{1/2}(F=0, {m}_{F}=0){--}^{2}{D}_{5/2}(F=2, {m}_{F}=0)

frequency, at zero-magnetic field, has been measured to be 729 487 779 566(153) kHz. This transition is free from the first-order Zeeman shift and has a measured second-order shift of +0.38(8) Hz/(\ensuremath{\mu}

{\mathrm{T})}^{2}

. In addition, the hyperfine structure of the

{}^{2}{D}_{5/2}

level has been deduced by driving the other hyperfine components of the 411-nm transition, showing it to be inverted. The

{}^{2}{D}_{5/2}

hyperfine splitting, measured to be -191(2) MHz, implies an A factor of -63.6(7) MHz. These data taken in conjunction with previous work yield an isotope shift of ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{171}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{172}=+1317.1(1.3)\mathrm{MHz}$ for this transition between the 171 and 172 isotopes.

The ytterbium ion has a rich level structure of low-lying states, and is one of the most widely used in experiments with trapped ions. We have measured the radiative lifetimes for the two

{4f}^{14}5d

metastable states using single ytterbium ions confined in a rf trap. The obtained lifetimes for

{D}_{3/2}

and

{D}_{5/2}

states are 52.7(2.4) and 7.0(0.4) ms, respectively. The results are in good agreement with previously measured values, but differ significantly from theoretical estimates. The

{P}_{1/2}

branching ratio into

{D}_{3/2}

has also been obtained from the experiment to be 0.0483 with a 9% uncertainty.

The $^{2}S_{1/2}\ensuremath{-}^{2}F_{7/2}$ electric octupole

(E3)

transition in

{}^{172}{\mathrm{Yb}}^{+}

has been detected by observing quantum jumps in a single laser cooled ion, stored in an electrodynamic trap. The transition frequency is 642 116 785.3(0.7) MHz $(1\ensuremath{\sigma})$. Consideration of the transition rate and laser parameters implies a

^{2}F_{7/2}

level lifetime of 3700 days. This is the first time an atomic

E3

transition has been driven. This transition has applications as an optical frequency reference.

A simultaneous observation of the optical-clock ${}^{2}{S}_{1/2}{\ensuremath{-}}^{2}{D}_{5/2}$ transition at 674 nm, in two separately trapped single

{}^{88}{\mathrm{Sr}}^{+}

ions, is reported. Two nominally identical miniature rf Paul traps were used together with a 674-nm sideband-injection-locked extended-cavity diode laser. This ``slave'' laser was optically phase locked about 650 MHz away from a ``master'' diode laser, which was itself locked to a high-finesse, ultra-low-expansion (ULE) cavity. The ULE cavity was temperature-stabilized and suspended in an evacuated enclosure, and provided an ``optical flywheel'' reference standard with a relative drift rate of better than 1 part in

{10}^{11}

per hour. The difference between center frequencies of the single

{}^{88}{\mathrm{Sr}}^{+}

-ion 674-nm (445-THz) transition multiplet in two traps was 120(90) Hz (one standard uncertainty). Thus the two trap center frequencies agree to 3 parts in

{10}^{13}.

The ${5s}^{2}{}^{1}{S}_{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}5s5p{}^{3}{P}_{0}$ transition of a single laser-cooled

{}^{115}{\mathrm{In}}^{+}

ion in a miniature radiofrequency trap is investigated as a possible optical frequency standard. This line at a frequency of 1267 THz (wavelength 236.5 nm) is highly immune to frequency shifts due to external perturbations so that the expected systematic uncertainties can be reduced to the millihertz level. Experimentally, we obtained a fractional resolution $\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\nu}/\ensuremath{\nu}=1.3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}13}$ (linewidth 170 Hz), limited by the frequency instability of the laser used for excitation. The g factor and the lifetime of the metastable

{}^{3}{P}_{0}

level were measured as ${g(}^{3}{P}_{0})=\ensuremath{-}9.87(5)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ and $\ensuremath{\tau}{(}^{3}{P}_{0})=0.195(8) \mathrm{s}.$ Both values are in good agreement with perturbative calculations, based on hyperfine mixing between the

{}^{1}P

and

{}^{3}P

levels.