Laser spectroscopy studies on nobelium

Michael Block,E.C Simpson,K.J Cook,C Simenel,I.P Carter

doi:10.1051/epjconf/201716300006

Abstract

Laser spectroscopy of the heaviest elements provides high-precision data on their atomic and nuclear properties. For example, atomic level energies and ionization potentials allow us to probe the influence of relativistic effects on their atomic structure and to benchmark state-of-the-art atomic structure calculations. In addition, it offers an alternative route to determine nuclear properties like spins, magnetic moments and quadrupole moments in a nuclear model-independent way. Recently, a sensitive method based on resonant laser ionization has been applied to nobelium isotopes around N = 152 at GSI Darmstadt. In pioneering experiments, several atomic states have been identified extending the reach of laser spectroscopy beyond fermium. In this contribution, the main achievements and future perspectives are briefly summarized.

Highlights

The atomic and chemical properties of the heaviest elements (Z 100) are affected by strong relativistic effects and quantum electrodynamics [1,2,3]
Atomic level energies and ionization potentials allow us to probe the influence of relativistic effects on their atomic structure and to benchmark state-of-the-art atomic structure calculations
Several atomic states have been identified extending the reach of laser spectroscopy beyond fermium

Summary

Introduction

The atomic and chemical properties of the heaviest elements (Z 100) are affected by strong relativistic effects and quantum electrodynamics [1,2,3]. Relativistic effects increase approximately with the square of the atomic number and are responsible for the distinct color of gold and for the liquid state of mercury at room temperature. These effects stabilize s and p1/2 orbitals, whereas p3/2 and d orbitals are destabilized in energy. A deviation from the regular pattern that governs the ordering of elements in the periodic table is expected Such deviations were predicted for the superheavy elements copernicium (Z = 112) and flerovium (Z = 114) in the mid 1970s [5]. Copernicium was found to be a rather regular member of group twelve [9], while the properties of flerovium are still a matter of ongoing research [10, 11]

Resonant ionization laser spectroscopy of heavy nuclides

Scientific questions addressed by laser spectroscopy

Status and future perspectives