Detection of single atoms by resonance ionization spectroscopy

• Main Author: Hurst, G.S.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Tennessee Univ., Knoxville (USA). Dept. of Physics 1986
• Subjects: Elements; Electron Capture Radioisotopes; Beta Decay Radioisotopes; Neutrinos; Ionization; Electromagnetic Radiation; Solar Particles; Radiations; Leptons; Radioisotopes; Photoionization; Isotopes; Intermediate Mass Nuclei; Even-Odd Nuclei; Age Estimation; Solids; Massless Particles; Resonance; Nuclei; Solar Neutrinos; Rare Gases; Isomeric Transition Isotopes; Elementary Particles; Laser Radiation; 74 Atomic And Molecular Physics; Years Living Radioisotopes 640302* > Atomic; Molecular & Chemical Physics > Atomic & Molecular Properties & Theory; Krypton 81; Detection; Krypton Isotopes; Seconds Living Radioisotopes; Solar Radiation; Stellar Radiation; Ice; Fluids; Gases; Nonmetals; Fermions; Radiation Detection; Multi-Photon Processes; Neutrino Detection; Ice cap
• Online Access: https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1087109/

Rutherford's idea for counting individual atoms can, in principle, be implemented for nearly any type of atom, whether stable or radioactive, by using methods of resonance ionization. With the RIS technique, a laser is tuned to a wavelength which will promote a valence electron in a Z-selected atom to an excited level. Additional resonance or nonresonance photoabsorption steps are used to achieve nearly 100% ionization efficiencies. Hence, the RIS process can be saturated for the Z-selected atoms; and since detectors are available for counting either single electrons or positive ions, one-atom detection is possible. Some examples are given of one-atom detection, including that of the noble gases, in order to show complementarity with AMS methods. For instance, the detection of /sup 81/Kr using RIS has interesting applications for solar neutrino research, ice-cap dating, and groundwater dating. 39 refs., 7 figs., 2 tabs.