abstract

• Summary form only given. We have constructed a new apparatus for on-line magneto-optical trapping of radioactive francium atoms at the Stony Brook Superconducting LINAC. An ion beam with an energy of ∼100 MeV from the accelerator strikes a target of gold or isotopically enriched platinum mounted on the end of a tungsten rod. A heavy-ion fusion reaction [16,18O(197Au,xn) or 19F(198Pt,xn)] selectively produces the isotopes 208-212Fr in the target room of the accelerator. The beam power and an auxiliary heater heat the target, allowing the francium to diffuse rapidly to the surface. The target ionizes the francium as it diffuses out. We then transport the francium as ions to a different room for subsequent neutralization and capture in a magneto-optical trap (MOT). Since the transport system is electrostatic, it is mass independent, allowing us to transport any isotope of Fr or even other alkalis. We have delivered over 3×106 Fr/sec to a Faraday cup in front of the trap, and tests show greater than 90%25 transport efficiency from the target. A small constriction in the vacuum system separates the target and transport region from the trap, permitting differential pumping of the trap. © 2001 Optical Soc. Of America.

authors

• Aubin S.
• Grossman J.S.
• Gómez García Eduardo
• Orozco L.A.
• Pearson M.R.
• Sprouse G.D.
• True M.

publication date

• 2001-01-01

funding provided via

• National Science Foundation, NSF  Grant

published in

• Technical Digest - Summaries of Papers Presented at the Quantum Electronics and Laser Science Conference, QELS 2001  Proceedings

keywords

• Fusion reactions; Heavy ions; Ion beams; Isotopes; Linear accelerators; Particle accelerator accessories; Platinum; Quantum electronics; Differential pumping; Heavy-ion fusions; Isotopically enriched; Magneto-optical trapping; Magnetooptical traps; Superconducting linac; Transport efficiency; Transport systems; Francium

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

• 10.1109/QELS.2001.962110

start page

• 220

end page