Laser Resonance Ionization Spectroscopy - element selective ionization for radioactive ion beam physics-archive

Synopsis

TRIUMF - Canada’s particle accelerator centre - is operating one of the few ISOL isotope separator and accelerator facilities world wide, providing radioactive ion beams for nuclear structure, nuclear astrophysics, fundament symmetries, material- & life-science, as well as nuclear medicine experiments. Beam delivery typically is from April to Christmas on a 24/7 operation schedule. The isotopes are produced by irradiating target foils with 500MeV protons from the TRIUMF main cyclotron. Once produced the isotopes must be ionized, in order to be extracted, purified and delivered to the individual user experiments stationed in the two experimental halls. Laser resonance ionization provides a means of element selective ionization for pure - i.e. isobar free radioactive ion beams.

At the same time laser resonance ionization spectroscopy can also be ultra-sensitive and allows to study not only the atomic spectra of rare isotopes, but also the changes caused when the number of neutrons in an element changes., which can lead to stunning effects. For example the halo nucleus 11-Li is about as large as the 208-Pb nucleus. This makes laser resonance ionization also a sensitive probe for nuclear properties. Consequently about 75% of all radioactive beams delivered in our RIB program use the “laser ion source” and its unique capabilities. 

I will present our all solid state laser based resonant ionization laser ion source, the technique and capabilities of laser resonance ionization spectroscopy, RIB beam delivery capabilities, ongoing research and showcase experimental results. 

Please feel free to ask questions at any time during my presentation.