Measurement of diffusion coefficients of francium and rubidium in yttrium based on laser spectroscopy

TL;DR

This study measures how quickly francium and rubidium ions diffuse in yttrium using laser spectroscopy, providing new data crucial for radioactive atom research and trapping techniques.

Contribution

First direct measurement of francium and rubidium diffusion coefficients in yttrium using a novel laser spectroscopy method.

Findings

Diffusion coefficients for Fr and Rb in yttrium were determined.

Method applicable to radioactive and stable species for diffusion studies.

Data supports improved trapping and manipulation of radioactive atoms.

Abstract

We report the first measurement of the diffusion coefficients of francium and rubidium ions implanted in a yttrium foil. We developed a methodology, based on laser spectroscopy, which can be applied to radioactive and stable species, and allows us to directly take record of the diffusion time. Francium isotopes are produced via fusion-evaporation nuclear reaction of a 100 MeV 18-O beam on a Au target at the Tandem XTU accelerator facility in Legnaro, Italy. Francium is ionized at the gold-vacuum interface and Fr+ ions are then transported with a 3 keV electrostatic beamline to a cell for neutralization and capture in a magneto-optical trap (MOT). A Rb+ beam is also available, which follows the same path as Fr+ ions. The accelerated ions are focused and implanted in a 25 um thick yttrium foil for neutralization: after diffusion to the surface, they are released as neutrals, since the Y work function is lower than the alkali ionization energies. The time evolution of the MOT and the vapor fluorescence signals are used to determine diffusion times of Fr and Rb in Y as a function of temperature.