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Q: Fachverband Quantenoptik und Photonik
Q 13: Nuclear Clocks
Q 13.7: Talk
Monday, March 2, 2026, 18:30–18:45, P 11
Design and optimization of a VUV beamline for nuclear laser excitation of a single 229Th3+ ion — •Tamila Teschler1, Georg Holthoff1, Daniel Moritz1, Kevin Scharl1, Markus Wiesinger1, Johannes Weitenberg2, Stephan H. Wissenberg2, and Peter G. Thirolf1 — 1Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU) — 2Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT), Aachen
Direct frequency-comb spectroscopy represents an advanced technique for achieving narrowband nuclear laser excitation. Within an ERC Synergy project, a VUV frequency comb developed at Fraunhofer ILT will be combined with a cryogenic Paul trap system at LMU Munich to enable the excitation of the isomeric state in 229Th using laser radiation at λ ≈ 148 nm. This is a major milestone toward the implementation of a nuclear clock based on the unique nuclear properties of the nuclear isomer 229Th, enabling highly precise timekeeping and providing insights into new physics beyond the Standard Model. The approach relies on frequency-comb interrogation of a single, sympathetically laser-cooled 229mTh3+ ion. To ensure sufficient excitation probability, a VUV focus diameter of about 3 µm is required, imposing strict limitations on the optical beamline design to minimize aberrations and transmission loss. The procedures for the design and optimization of a VUV beamline from the VUV laser source to the trapped-ion environment will be presented. Funding: Thorium Nuclear Clock ERC Synergy project, Grant Agreement No. 856415.
Keywords: VUV radiation; Thorium Nuclear Clock; Laser excitation; Focusing on single ions