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E. N. Fortson

Publications and source records attributed to E. N. Fortson.

13 recordsLinked to original sources
arXiv2016

An Upper Bound on the Strongly Forbidden $6S_{1/2} \leftrightarrow 5D_{3/2}$ Magnetic Dipole Transition Moment in {Ba}$^{+}$

We report the results from our first-generation experiment to measure the magnetic-dipole transition moment (M1) between the $6S_{1/2}$ and $5D_{3/2}$ manifolds in Ba$^{+}$. Knowledge of M1 is crucial for the proposed parity-nonconservation experiment in the ion \cite{Fortson93}, where M1 will be a leading source of systematic error. To date, no measurement of M1 has been made in Ba$^{+}$, and moreover, the sensitivity of the moment to electron-electron correlations has confounded accurate theoretical predictions. A precise measurement may help to resolve the theoretical discrepancies while providing essential information for planning a future PNC measurement in Ba$^{+}$. We demonstrate our technique for measuring M1 - including a method for calibrating for stress-induced birefringence introduced by the scientific apparatus - and place an upper bound of $\mathrm{M1} < 93 \pm 39 \times 10^{-5} μ_{B}$.

physics.atom-ph↗
arXiv2013

Radio frequency spectroscopy measurement of the Landé g factor of the 5D5/2 state of Ba+ with a single trapped ion

We report an improved measurement of the Landé g factor of the 5D5/2 state of singly ionized barium. Measurements were performed on single Doppler-cooled 138Ba+ ions in linear Paul traps using two similar, independent apparatuses. Transitions between Zeeman sublevels of the 6S1/2 and 5D5/2 states were driven with two independent, stabilized radio-frequency synthesizers using a dedicated electrode within each ion trap chamber. State detection within each Zeeman manifold was achieved with a frequency-stabilized fiber laser operating at 1.76 microns. By calculating the ratio of the two Zeeman splittings, and using the measured Landé g factor of the 6S1/2 state, we find a value of 1.200371(4stat)(6sys) for g of 5D5/2.

physics.atom-ph↗
arXiv2013

A Method for Measuring the $6S_{1/2} \leftrightarrow 5D_{3/2}$ Magnetic Dipole Transition Moment in {Ba}$^{+}$

We propose a method for measuring the magnetic dipole (M1) transition moment of the $6S_{1/2} \big(\mathrm{m}=-1/2\big)\leftrightarrow 5D_{3/2}\big(\mathrm{m}=-1/2\big)$ transition in single trapped Ba$^{+}$ by exploiting different symmetries in the electric quadrupole (E2) and M1 couplings between the states. The technique is adapted from a previously proposed method for measuring atomic parity nonconservation in a single trapped ion [Norval Fortson, Phys. Rev. Lett. \textbf{70}, 17 (1993)]. Knowledge of M1 is crucial for any parity nonconservation measurement in Ba$^{+}$, as laser coupling through M1 can mimic the parity-violating signal. The magnetic moment for the transition has been calculated by atomic theory and found to be dominated by electron-electron correlation effects [B.K. Sahoo et. al., Phys. Rev. A \textbf{74}, 6 (2006)]. To date the value has not been verified experimentally. This proposed measurement is therefore an essential step toward a parity nonconservation experiment in the ion that will also test current many-body theory. The technique can be adapted for similar parity nonconservation experiments using other atomic ions, where the magnetic dipole moment could present similar complications.

physics.atom-ph↗
arXiv2012

Coherent Excitation of the 6S1/2 to 5D3/2 Electric Quadrupole Transition in 138Ba+

The electric dipole-forbidden, quadrupole 6S1/2 <-> 5D3/2 transition in Ba+ near 2051 nm, with a natural linewidth of 13 mHz, is attractive for potential observation of parity non-conservation, and also as a clock transition for a barium ion optical frequency standard. This transition also offers a direct means of populating the metastable 5D3/2 state to measure the nuclear magnetic octupole moment in the odd barium isotopes. Light from a diode-pumped, solid state Tm,Ho:YLF laser operating at 2051 nm is used to coherently drive this transition between resolved Zeeman levels in a single trapped 138Ba+ ion. The frequency of the laser is stabilized to a high finesse Fabry Perot cavity at 1025 nm after being frequency doubled. Rabi oscillations on this transition indicate a laser-ion coherence time of 3 ms, most likely limited by ambient magnetic field fluctuations.

physics.atom-ph↗
arXiv2011

Measurement of Linear Stark Interference in 199Hg

We present measurements of Stark interference in the 6$^1S_0$ $\rightarrow$ 6$^3P_1$ transition in $^{199}$Hg, a process whereby a static electric field $E$ mixes magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole couplings into an electric dipole transition, leading to $E$-linear energy shifts similar to those produced by a permanent atomic electric dipole moment (EDM). The measured interference amplitude, $a_{SI}$ = $(a_{M1} + a_{E2})$ = (5.8 $\pm$ 1.5)$\times 10^{-9}$ (kV/cm)$^{-1}$, agrees with relativistic, many-body predictions and confirms that earlier central-field estimates are a factor of 10 too large. More importantly, this study validates the capability of the $^{199}$Hg EDM search apparatus to resolve non-trivial, controlled, and sub-nHz Larmor frequency shifts with EDM-like characteristics.

physics.atom-ph↗
arXiv2009

Improved limit on the permanent electric dipole moment of 199Hg

We report the results of a new experimental search for a permanent electric dipole moment of 199Hg utilizing a stack of four vapor cells. We find d(199Hg) = (0.49 \pm 1.29_stat \pm 0.76_syst) x 10^{-29} e cm, and interpret this as a new upper bound, |d(199Hg)| < 3.1 x 10^{-29} e cm (95% C.L.). This result improves our previous 199Hg limit by a factor of 7, and can be used to set new constraints on CP violation in physics beyond the standard model.

physics.atom-ph↗
arXiv2008

Precision measurement of light shifts at two off-resonant wavelengths in a single trapped Ba+ ion and determination of atomic dipole matrix elements

We define and measure the ratio (R) of the vector ac-Stark effect (or light shift) in the 6S_1/2 and 5D_3/2 states of a single trapped barium ion to 0.2% accuracy at two different off-resonant wavelengths. We earlier found R = -11.494(13) at 514.531nm and now report the value at 1111.68nm, R = +0.4176(8). These observations together yield a value of the <5D||er||4F> matrix element, previously unknown in the literature. Also, comparison of our results with an ab initio calculation of dynamic polarizability would yield a new test of atomic theory and improve the understanding of atomic structure needed to interpret a proposed atomic parity violation experiment.

physics.atom-ph↗
arXiv2008

Nuclear magnetic octupole moment and the hyperfine structure of the $5D_{3/2,5/2}$ states of the Ba$^+$ ion

The hyperfine structure of the long-lived $5D_{3/2}$ and $5D_{5/2}$ levels of Ba$^+$ ion is analyzed. A procedure for extracting relatively unexplored nuclear magnetic moments $Ω$ is presented. The relevant electronic matrix elements are computed in the framework of the ab initio relativistic many-body perturbation theory. Both the first- and the second-order (in the hyperfine interaction) corrections to the energy levels are analyzed. It is shown that a simultaneous measurement of the hyperfine structure of the entire $5D_J$ fine-structure manifold allows one to extract $Ω$ without contamination from the second-order corrections. Measurements to the required accuracy should be possible with a single trapped barium ion using sensitive techniques already demonstrated in Ba$^+$ experiments.

physics.atom-ph↗
arXiv2005

Precision measurement of light shifts in a single trapped Ba$^+$ ion

Using a single trapped barium ion we have developed an rf spectroscopy technique to measure the ratio of the off-resonant vector ac Stark effect (or light shift) in the 6S_{1/2} and 5D_{3/2} states to 0.1% precision. We find R = Delta_S / Delta_D = -11.494(13) at 514.531 nm where Delta_{S,D} are the light shifts of the m = +/- 1/2 splittings due to circularly polarized light. Comparison of this result with an ab initio calculation of R would yield a new test of atomic theory. By appropriately choosing an off-resonant light shift wavelength one can emphasize the contribution of one or a few dipole matrix elements and precisely determine their values.

physics.atom-ph↗
arXiv2004

Optical clocks based on ultra-narrow three-photon resonances in alkaline earth atoms

A sharp resonance line that appears in three-photon transitions between the $^{1}S_{0}$ and $^{3}P_{0}$ states of alkaline earth and Yb atoms is proposed as an optical frequency standard. This proposal permits the use of the even isotopes, in which the clock transition is narrower than in proposed clocks using the odd isotopes and the energy interval is not affected by external magnetic fields or the polarization of trapping light. The method has the unique feature that the width and rate of the clock transition can be continuously adjusted from the $MHz$ level to sub-$mHz$ without loss of signal amplitude by varying the intensities of the three optical beams. Doppler and recoil effects can be eliminated by proper alignment of the three optical beams or by point confinement in a lattice trap. The three beams can be mixed to produce the optical frequency corresponding to the $^{3}P_{0}$ - $^{1}S_{0}$ clock interval.

physics.optics↗
arXiv2000

A new limit on the permanent electric dipole moment of ^{199}Hg

We present the first results of a new search for a permanent electric dipole moment of the ^{199}Hg atom using a UV laser. Our measurements give d(Hg)= - (1.06 +/- 0.49 +/- 0.40) 10^{-28} e cm. We interpret the result as an upper limit |d(Hg)| < 2.1 10^{-28} e cm (95% C.L.), which sets new constraints on theta_{QCD}, chromo-EDMs of the quarks, and CP violation in Supersymmetric models.

hep-ex↗
arXiv1992

Atomic Parity Nonconservation: Electroweak Parameters and Nuclear Structure

There have been suggestions to measure atomic parity nonconservation (PNC) along an isotopic chain, by taking ratios of observables in order to cancel complicated atomic structure effects. Precise atomic PNC measurements could make a significant contribution to tests of the Standard Model at the level of one loop radiative corrections. However, the results also depend upon certain features of nuclear structure, such as the spatial distribution of neutrons in the nucleus. To examine the sensitivity to nuclear structure, we consider the case of Pb isotopes using various recent relativistic and non-relativistic nuclear model calculations. Contributions from nucleon internal weak structure are included, but found to be fairly negligible. The spread among present models in predicted sizes of nuclear structure effects may preclude using Pb isotope ratios to test the Standard Model at better than a one percent level, unless there are adequate independent tests of the nuclear models by various alternative strong and electroweak nuclear probes. On the other hand, sufficiently accurate atomic PNC experiments would provide a unique method to measure neutron distributions in heavy nuclei.

nucl-th↗