M1, M2 and hyperfine-induced decay rates in Mg-like ions of Co, Ni and Cu measured at a heavy-ion storage ring

Abstract

The optical decay rates of the 3s3p 3Po2 level in Mg-like ions of 59Co, 58Ni and 63, 65Cu have been measured at a heavy-ion storage ring. The measurement is sensitive to M1, M2 and hyperfine-induced decay rates. The measurement precision is just about high enough to detect the difference in the isotope effect on the level lifetime in the ions 63, 65Cu17+. We also discuss our findings when trying to measure the hyperfine-induced decay of the lowest triplet level, 3s3p 3Po0, in the two Cu isotopes.