arXiv subjects

Henning A. Fürst

Publications and source records attributed to Henning A. Fürst.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

Precision spectroscopy in Yb+ ions

We report on our progress on multi-ion spectroscopy with Yb+ ions. We first characterized the spatial homogeneity of the magnetic- and the rf-field. Subsequently, to equalize the immense AC Stark shifts of the individual ions in a Coulomb crystal, we utilize a holographic phase plate to convert the Gaussian beam into a flat-top shape. These efforts enable us to excite an 8-ion crystal (172Yb+) on the highly forbidden electric octupole transition. Using 173Yb+ with reduced AC Stark shift, the same beam profile could support the multi-ion operation of 20 ions. This paves the way for future multi-ion optical clocks.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2025

Probing new bosons and nuclear structure with ytterbium isotope shifts

In this Letter, we present mass-ratio measurements on highly charged Yb$^{42+}$ ions with a precision of $4\times 10^{-12}$ and isotope-shift measurements on Yb$^{+}$ on the $^{2}$S$_{1/2}$ $\to$ $^{2}$D$_{5/2}$ and $^{2}$S$_{1/2}$ $\to$ $^{2}$F$_{7/2}$ transitions with a precision of $4\times 10^{-9}$ for the isotopes $^{168,170,172,174,176}$Yb. We present a new method that allows us to extract higher-order changes in the nuclear charge distribution along the Yb isotope chain, benchmarking ab-initio nuclear structure calculations. Additionally, we perform a King plot analysis to set bounds on a fifth force in the keV$/c^2$ to MeV$/c^2$ range coupling to electrons and neutrons.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2024

Improved bounds on Lorentz violation from composite-pulse Ramsey spectroscopy in a trapped ion

In attempts to unify the four known fundamental forces in a single quantum-consistent theory, it is suggested that Lorentz symmetry may be broken at the Planck scale. Here we search for Lorentz violation at the low-energy limit by comparing orthogonally oriented atomic orbitals in a Michelson-Morley-type experiment. We apply a robust radiofrequency composite pulse sequence in the $^2F_{7/2}$ manifold of an Yb$^+$ ion, extending the coherence time from 200 $μ$s to more than 1 s. In this manner, we fully exploit the high intrinsic susceptibility of the $^2F_{7/2}$ state and take advantage of its exceptionally long lifetime. We match the stability of the previous best Lorentz symmetry test nearly an order of magnitude faster and improve the constraints on the symmetry breaking coefficients to the 10$^{-21}$ level. These results represent the most stringent test of this type of Lorentz violation. The demonstrated method can be further extended to ion Coulomb crystals.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2020

Coherent excitation of the highly forbidden electric octupole transition in ${}^{172}$Yb$^+$

We report on the first coherent excitation of the highly forbidden $^2S_{1/2}\rightarrow{}^2F_{7/2}$ electric octupole (E3) transition in a single trapped ${}^{172}$Yb$^+$ ion, an isotope without nuclear spin. Using the transition in ${}^{171}$Yb$^+$ as a reference, we determine the transition frequency to be $642\,116\,784\,950\,887.6(2.4)\,$Hz. We map out the magnetic field environment using the forbidden $^2S_{1/2} \rightarrow{}^2D_{5/2}$ electric quadrupole (E2) transition and determine its frequency to be $729\,476\,867\,027\,206.8(4.4)\,$Hz. Our results are a factor of $1\times10^5$ ($3\times10^{5}$) more accurate for the E2 (E3) transition compared to previous measurements. The results open up the way to search for new physics via precise isotope shift measurements and improved tests of local Lorentz invariance using the metastable $^2F_{7/2}$ state of Yb$^+$.

physics.atom-ph↗