Constraining the Evolution of the Fundamental Constants with a Solid-State Optical Frequency Reference Based on the Th229 Nucleus

Wade G. Rellergert, D. DeMille, R. R. Greco, M. P. Hehlen, J. R. Torgerson, and Eric R. Hudson
Phys. Rev. Lett. 104, 200802 – Published 20 May 2010

Abstract

We describe a novel approach to directly measure the energy of the narrow, low-lying isomeric state in Th229. Since nuclear transitions are far less sensitive to environmental conditions than atomic transitions, we argue that the Th229 optical nuclear transition may be driven inside a host crystal with a high transition Q. This technique might also allow for the construction of a solid-state optical frequency reference that surpasses the short-term stability of current optical clocks, as well as improved limits on the variability of fundamental constants. Based on analysis of the crystal lattice environment, we argue that a precision (short-term stability) of 3×1017<Δf/f<1×1015 after 1 s of photon collection may be achieved with a systematic-limited accuracy (long-term stability) of Δf/f2×1016. Improvement by 102103 of the constraints on the variability of several important fundamental constants also appears possible.

  • Received 4 June 2009

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.104.200802

©2010 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Wade G. Rellergert1, D. DeMille2, R. R. Greco3, M. P. Hehlen3, J. R. Torgerson3, and Eric R. Hudson1

  • 1Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
  • 2Department of Physics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
  • 3Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, USA

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Vol. 104, Iss. 20 — 21 May 2010

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