### Session J2: Fundamental Symmetry Tests

10:30 AM–12:30 PM, Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Room: A602

Chair: David DeMille, Yale University

Abstract ID: BAPS.2011.DAMOP.J2.3

### Abstract: J2.00003 : Concepts for an optical nuclear clock with Th-229

11:30 AM–12:00 PM

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#### Author:

Ekkehard Peik
(PTB )

The transition between the nuclear ground state and the low-lying isomeric state in Th-229 at about 160 nm wavelength will allow to apply methods of high-resolution laser spectroscopy to a nuclear excitation, opening a new field at the border between atomic and nuclear physics. It also offers the potential for a highly precise optical clock using this transition frequency as a reference. I will describe these concepts and, more specifically, our experiment towards a two-photon excitation of the nuclear transition in Th$^+$ ions, using electron bridge processes within the dense electronic level structure of this ion.

To cite this abstract, use the following reference: http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2011.DAMOP.J2.3