Transition frequency shifts with fine-structure constant variation for Yb II

TL;DR

This paper calculates relativistic corrections to transition frequencies in Yb II, highlighting its potential for detecting variations in the fine-structure constant alpha through highly sensitive transitions.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed calculations of q factors for Yb II transitions from odd-parity states to a metastable state, emphasizing their experimental relevance.

Findings

Yb II transitions have some of the largest calculated q factors.

The $^2F_{7/2}^o$ state can be efficiently prepared in experiments.

Yb II is a promising candidate for laboratory tests of alpha variation.

Abstract

In this paper we report calculations of the relativistic corrections to transition frequencies (q factors) of Yb II for the transitions from the odd-parity states to the metastable state $4f^{13}6s^2 ^2F_{7/2}^o$. These transitions are of particular interest experimentally since they possess some of the largest q factors calculated to date and the $^2F_{7/2}^o$ state can be prepared with high efficiency. This makes Yb II a very attractive candidate for the laboratory search for variation of the fine-structure constant alpha.