Search

We present high-resolution data of the single-excitation spectrum of protactinium, reaching slightly beyond the first-ionization threshold. Within this work, more than 1500 energy levels are recorded in different excitation energy ranges below $50\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}000\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. Our experimental results show that the tabulated data in the literature severely underestimate the density of states particularly regarding the highly excited spectral range.

Green electronics for electrical driving or solar energy application need high temperature substrates because the next generation of power semiconductors is based on wide-bandgap semiconductors (WBG), e.g. GaN or SiC. These WBG materials support the possibility of higher switching currents and high frequency applications. Driven by the high-voltage blocking resistance of these WBG high temperatures up to 250°C are possible. For reduced switching losses new concepts for low inductive commutation cells are already developed, e.g. the wire-bond-less PCB embedding technology. So far, an affordable high temperature compatible resin material was not available and ceramics or lead frame solutions are state of the art. The present work shows the first results of a new resin material with a Tg > 200°C (~400°F) in combination with a high temperature PCB technology (Printed Circuit Board). The new Epoxy resin material HELP-I and the new Benzoxazine resin material HELP-H are suitable for peak temperatures up to 200°C. In addition to the known oxidation, new failure mechanisms are observed and microcracks in the resin are described by a simulation model. Based on these simulated and experimental validated data the optimization will be presented. This knowledge is now enabling organic substrate with operating temperature up to 200°C for the use of SiC and GaN. First test results will be shown, the resin material properties and also the possibility of SiC and GaN embedding into the new resin will be discussed.

A study on the systematic of the atomic ionization potentials for both, the lanthanide and actinide elements have been performed. The existing experimental basis, predominantly relying on results from resonance ionization spectroscopy, has been extended by novel laser spectroscopic investigations on the elements Au, Dy, Pr and Pa. Conclusive results of suitable precision for the ionization potentials could be obtained except for Pa, due to the complexity of its atomic spectrum. Nevertheless, a consistent interpretation of the observed trends for the ionization potentials of lanthanides and actinides was attempted. The series of lanthanides depicts the two well-known, completely smooth, linear trends above and below half-shell closure, from which an expectation value for the missing ionization potential of the all radioactive element promethium of IP Pm= 44985(140) cm −1 was derived. In contrast, the lighter members of the actinide series below the half-filled shell exhibit a significant deviation from predictions, which are ascribed dominantly to relativistic influences affecting the energetic position of the multitude of low-lying configurations. With the assumption of removal of a 6d electron during the ionization process agreement between theory and experiment and a smooth, even though not linear behavior, is obtained also in this region of the Periodic Table. This new interpretation could help to better predict similar trends and systematics for elements heavier than the actinides. Particularly relevant in this respect are the super-heavy elements, which are produced only in minuscule atom numbers and thus were not accessible for any atomic physics study yet.

The long-lived radio isotope 237 Np is generated within the nuclear fuel cycle and represents a major hazard in the final disposal of nuclear waste. Related geochemical research requires sensitive methods for the detection of ultratrace amounts of neptunium in environmental samples. Resonance ionization mass spectrometry (RIMS) has proven to be one of the most sensitive methods for the detection of plutonium. A precondition for the application of RIMS to ultratrace analysis of neptunium is the knowledge of an efficient and selective scheme for optical excitation and ionization. Therefore, a multitude of medium to high-lying atomic levels in neptunium was located by applying in-source resonance ionization spectroscopy. By using excitation via six previously known first excited, intermediate levels of odd parity, a set of twelve so far unknown high-lying levels of even parity were identified and studied further for their suitability in resonant excitation/ionization schemes. Autoionizing resonances for efficient ionization of neptunium atoms were subsequently accessed spectroscopically. Altogether five resonance ionization schemes were investigated and characterized concerning their saturation behavior and relative efficiency. Applying a calibrated sample, an overall efficiency of 0.3 % was determined.

In-source resonance ionization spectroscopy of uranium has been carried out as preparation for the analysis of low contaminations of nuclear material in environmental samples via laser mass spectrometry. Using three-step resonance ionization spectroscopy, 86 levels of odd parity in the energy range from 37,200–38,650 cm − 1 were studied, 51 of these levels were previously unknown. Suitable excitation schemes for analytic applications are discussed.

An ISOLDE-type hot-cavity laser ion source based on high-repetition-rate Ti:Sapphire lasers has been set up at the Holifield radioactive ion beam facility. To assess the feasibility of the all-solid-state laser system for applications at advanced radioactive ion beam facilities, spectroscopy and performance tests have been conducted with this source. The results of recent studies on excitation schemes, source efficiency, beam emittance and ion time structure are presented.

A combined structure consisting of a laser ion source and a linear Paul trap (LIST) has been designed to produce radioactive ion beams of high purity and optimal temporal and spacial brilliance at on-line isotope separator (ISOL) facilities. The functionality of the LIST was experimentally demonstrated in off-line tests using the RISIKO off-line mass separator together with an all solid state Ti:sapphire laser system at the University of Mainz. Two different ion trap designs were tested extracting the performance of these devices regarding ionization efficiency and selectivity as well as time structure and transverse emittance of the produced ion beam. The results of these measurements are presented together with an outlook on the next steps towards the first on-line application of the LIST.

International audience; The depopulation of excited states in beams of negatively charged carbon and silicon ions was demonstrated using collisional detachment and laser photodetachment in a radio frequency quadrupole ion guide filled with helium. The high lying, loosely bound 2 D excited state in C − was completely depleted through collisional detachment alone, which was quantitatively determined within 6%. For Si − the combined signal from the population in the 2 P and 2 D excited states was only partly depleted through collisions in the cooler. The loosely bound 2 P state was likely to be completely depopulated and the more tightly bound 2 D state was partly depopulated through collisions. 98(2)% of the remaining 2 D population was removed by photodetachment in the cooler using less than 2 W laser power. The total reduction of the excited population in Si −, including collisional detachment and photodetachment, was estimated to be 99(1)%. Employing this novel technique to produce a pure ground state negative ion beam offers possibilities to enhance selectivity, as well as accuracy, in high precision experiments on atomic as well as molecular negative ions.

Using resonance ionization spectroscopy the first-ionization potential of actinium has been determined by analyzing different Rydberg series in two-color resonant laser excitation. Three individual Rydberg series were investigated, converging toward the ionic ground state and toward the first- and second-excited state of the actinium ion, respectively. A combined analysis of the convergence limits leads to a consistent value for the first-ionization potential of Ac of $43\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}394.45\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}(19)\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}{\text{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, equivalent to $5.380\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}226\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}(24)$ eV.

A resonant ionization laser ion source based on all‐solid‐state, tunable Ti:Sapphire lasers is being developed for the production of pure radioactive ion beams. It consists of a hot‐cavity ion source and three pulsed Ti:Sapphire lasers operating at a 10 kHz pulse repetition rate. Spectroscopic studies are being conducted to develop ionization schemes that lead to ionizing an excited atom through an auto‐ionization or a Rydberg state for numerous elements of interest. Three‐photon resonant ionization of 12 elements has been recently demonstrated. The overall efficiency of the laser ion source measured for some of these elements ranges from 1 to 40%. The results indicate that Ti:Sapphire lasers could be well suited for laser ion source applications. The time structures of the ions produced by the pulsed lasers are investigated. The information may help to improve the laser ion source performance.

Spectroscopic investigations of the rare earth elements Tb, Dy and Ho have been carried out using laser resonance ionization mass spectroscopy. A variety of new intermediate energy levels and autoionizing states were observed in these elements. Efficient and selective excitation and ionization schemes for the elements have been developed for Ti:Sapphire lasers using the spectroscopic data. Resonant ionization schemes for Np were also been studied as the preparation work for related investigations on actinide elements and for the spectroscopy on the heaviest elements, where spectroscopic data so far are scarce or not existing at all.

The inception of laser resonance ionization spectroscopy and its application as a resonant ionization laser ion source (RILIS) took place merely 20 years ago with pulsed dye lasers [1–5]. By now next generation radioactive ion beam (RIB) facilities are being planned or built. Understanding and considering the unique RILIS requirements in the layout of next generation RIB facilities will allow for cost‐effective implementation of this versatile ion source. This discussion touches on laser beam transport and RILIS requirements not necessarily obvious to experts in conventional ion sources.