arXiv subjects

R. G. Bullis

Publications and source records attributed to R. G. Bullis.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Precision Spectroscopy of 2S-nS Transitions in Atomic Hydrogen: A Determination of the Proton Charge Radius

We present absolute frequency measurements of 2S_{1/2}-nS_{1/2} two-photon transitions with n = 8, 9, and 10 in a cryogenic beam of atomic hydrogen. Each transition has been measured with a fractional uncertainty of approximately 2.6*10^(-12). Combining the results from this work and the 1S_{1/2}-2S_{1/2} transition frequency, we extract a root-mean-square proton radius of r_p = 0.8433(31) fm and a Rydberg frequency of cR_{\infty} = 3,289,841,960,252.9(9.7) kHz. These are in good agreement with the CODATA 2022 recommended values.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2025

Interferometric Differential High-Frequency Lock-In Probe for Laser-Induced Vacuum Birefringence

We propose a measurement of laser-induced vacuum birefringence through the use of pulsed lasers coupled to femtosecond optical enhancement cavities. This measurement technique features cavity-enhanced pump and probe pulses, as well as an independent control pulse. The control pulse allows for a differential measurement where the final signal is obtained using high-frequency lock-in detection, greatly mitigating time-dependent cavity birefringence as an important and possibly prohibitive systematic effect. In addition, the method features the economical use of laser power, and results in a relatively simple experimental setup.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2022

Optical deceleration of atomic hydrogen

High-precision hydrogen spectroscopy is an active field which helps to determine the Rydberg constant and proton charge radius, tests bound-state QED, and can search for Beyond Standard Model (BSM) Physics. Additionally, with recent demonstrations of anti-hydrogen trapping and spectroscopy, a new line of investigation is possible whereby hydrogen can be compared to its antimatter counterpart. The next generation of precision hydrogen spectroscopy will likely require additional motional control of the atomic sample - similar to what is possible with heavier elements. Unfortunately, laser cooling - one of the cornerstones of modern precision atomic physics - is difficult in hydrogen due to the vacuum ultraviolet radiation required. Here, we sidestep the challenges inherent in laser cooling and demonstrate a technique whereby we load metastable atoms from a cryogenic beam into a moving optical lattice, decelerate the lattice, and observe a commensurate deceleration of the atoms. Since the optical lattice is governed by standard optoelectronics, this technique represents a robust platform for the motional control of hydrogen. Our technique could enable greater precision in hydrogen spectroscopy and be transferred to exotic simple atoms such as antihydrogen.

physics.atom-ph↗