Researchers from PTB, TU Braunschweig, and the University of Delaware used high-resolution laser and microwave spectroscopy to gain new insights into the electron shell and nuclear structure of the 173Yb+ ion. Despite its complex energy-level structure, the team trapped and controlled a single 173Yb+ ion, developed state-preparation and detection methods, and performed precision measurements. Combined with theoretical calculations, the data enabled robust inferences about nuclear properties.
These results advance the development of optical atomic clocks, enable stringent tests of fundamental physics, and support applications in quantum information processing. The study has been published in Physical Review Letters and was carried out within the Excellence Cluster QuantumFrontiers and the Collaborative Research Center DQ-mat.
Original publication
High-Resolution Spectroscopy of 173Yb+ Ions
J. Jiang, A. V. Viatkina, Saaswath JK, M. Steinel, M. Filzinger, E. Peik, S. G. Porsev, M. S. Safronova, A. Surzyhkov et al.
Phys. Rev. Lett. 136, 023001
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/rcdh-s4d7
