Optical probing of Eu ions confined in an RF trap

Xinxin Zhao, Nan Yu, HANS G. DEHMELT +2 more

F. Plumelle, Michel Desaintfuscien, Jelte Duchene +1 more

Alan A. Madej, P. Dubé, J. E. Bernard +4 more

We describe the recent advances of the NRC single ion based optical frequency standard using the 445-THz S-D transition in88Sr+. Laser cooled confinement and probing of the clock transition has been obtained for periods exceeding 24 hours showing high levels of stability. Spectral resolutions better than 5 Hz at 445 THz have been obtained. Work is described on the development of an improved ion trap system and the continuous linkage of the optical frequency to the RF domain using a fiber based frequency comb.

Steven R. Jefferts, Christopher R. Monroe, A. S. Barton +1 more

A novel RF (Paul) ion trap apparatus, capable of providing extremely tight confinement is described. Strong localization of trapped ions reduces an important source of noise when using the ions as an optical frequency standard. Alternative cooling schemes, which provide stronger localization than conventional Doppler cooling are also discussed.>

F. Plumelle, Michel Desaintfuscien, M. Houssin

An optical frequency/wavelength standard using the high line Q/sup 2/S/sub 1/2/-/sup 2/D/sub 5/2/ transition of Ca/sup +/ confined in a RF trap and laser cooled is discussed according to the following points: optical excitation scheme to cool the ions and probe the clock transition of an odd isotope of Ca/sup +/ and feasibility of the production of the optical excitations from laser diodes.>

Michael H. Prior, Randall D. Knight