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arXiv · 1103.2823

Hole transitions in multiply-charged ions for precision laser spectroscopy and searching for alpha-variation

J. C. Berengut·V. A. Dzuba·V. V. Flambaum·A. Ong
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Abstract

We consider transitions of electron holes (vacancies in otherwise filled shells of atomic systems) in multiply-charged ions that, due to level-crossing of the holes, have frequencies within the range of optical atomic clocks. Strong E1 transitions provide new options for laser-cooling and trapping, while narrow transitions can be used for high-precision spectroscopy and tests of fundamental physics. We show that hole transitions can have extremely high sensitivity to alpha-variation due to large relativistic corrections, and propose candidate transitions that have much larger alpha-sensitivities than any previously seen in atomic systems.

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J. C. Berengut, V. A. Dzuba, V. V. Flambaum, A. Ong. 2011-03-15. Hole transitions in multiply-charged ions for precision laser spectroscopy and searching for alpha-variation. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.106.210802

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