Laser trapping of sodium isotopes for a high-precision B-decay experiment

PhD ceremony: Mr. W.L. Kruithof, 16.15 uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen

Dissertation: Laser trapping of sodium isotopes for a high-precision B-decay experiment

Promotor: prof. H.W.E.M. Wilschut

Faculty: Mathematics and Natural Sciences

This thesis describes two crucial steps towards the realization of a high-precision test of the Standard Model of particle physics at low energy. The time-reversal symmetry of the Standard Model can be tested by measuring correlations between the particles emerging from decaying radioactive atoms. At the Kernfysisch Versneller Instituut such a test can be performed with radioactive 21Na (sodium) atoms. To achieve a high accuracy, the atoms are brought to standstill by trapping them with laser light. To reach the required precision in the final measurement, the online produced 21Na ions have to neutralized and trapped with 1% efficiency. In a second step, the trapped 21Na atoms need to be transferred with near unit efficiency to a second atom trap, which provides a shielded environment for the correlation measurements. As this thesis shows, the envisioned efficiency of both processes is within reach of the present setup.