Radium ions and radioactive molecules

Andrew Jayich, UC Santa Barbara

The bottom row of the periodic table is famous for its radioactive elements, which compared to stable isotopes are little-explored.  Many heavy radioisotopes have exotic nuclei which grant them enhanced discovery potential.  Radioactive elements also hold promise for advancing technology.  Modern atomic physics techniques, such as laser cooling and ion trapping, allow for efficient use of unstable elements and their study in highly-controlled environments.  We will discuss our recent work with laser-cooled radium ions.  This ion provides new opportunities for optical clocks.  It is also promising for controlling other radioactive atoms and molecules at the level of single quantum states and studying them with high precision spectroscopy.  In this context we will also discuss recent work with trapped radioactive molecules and their prospects for studying time symmetry violation to address open questions in physics.

This will be an in-person and Zoom streamed event. Attendance in-person  requires a mask at all times.