Energy of the Th 229 Nuclear Clock Isomer Determined by Absolute γ -ray Energy Difference

A. Yamaguchi, H. Muramatsu, T. Hayashi, N. Yuasa, K. Nakamura, M. Takimoto, H. Haba, K. Konashi, M. Watanabe, H. Kikunaga, K. Maehata, N. Y. Yamasaki, K. Mitsuda

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

35 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The low-lying isomeric state of Th229 provides unique opportunities for high-resolution laser spectroscopy of the atomic nucleus. We determine the energy of this isomeric state by taking the absolute energy difference between the excitation energy required to populate the 29.2-keV state from the ground state and the energy emitted in its decay to the isomeric excited state. A transition-edge sensor microcalorimeter was used to measure the absolute energy of the 29.2-keV γ ray. Together with the cross-band transition energy (29.2 keV→ground) and the branching ratio of the 29.2-keV state measured in a recent study, the isomer energy was determined to be 8.30±0.92 eV. Our result is in agreement with the latest measurements based on different experimental techniques, which further confirms that the isomeric state of Th229 is in the laser-accessible vacuum ultraviolet range.

Original languageEnglish
Article number222501
JournalPhysical review letters
Volume123
Issue number22
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 26 2019

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Physics and Astronomy(all)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Energy of the Th 229 Nuclear Clock Isomer Determined by Absolute γ -ray Energy Difference'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this