Characterization of the thorium-229 defect structure in CaF 2 crystals

Résumé fourni par la source

Abstract Recent advancements in laser excitation of the low-energy thorium-229 ( 229 Th) nuclear isomeric state in calcium fluoride (CaF 2 ) single crystals render this system a promising candidate for a solid-state nuclear clock. Nonetheless, the precise experimental determination of the microscopic ion configuration surrounding the doped 229 Th and its electronic charge state remains a critical challenge. Such characterization is essential for precisely controlling the clock transition and evaluating the performance of this solid-state nuclear clock system. In this study, we use x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy of 229 Th:CaF 2 to investigate the charge state and coordination environment of doped 229 Th. The results indicate that 229 Th displays a 4+ oxidation state at the substitutional site of a Ca 2+ ion, with charge compensated provided by two F − ions positioned at interstitial sites adjacent to 229 Th.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.