### Session PB: Optical Physics

10:30 AM–12:30 PM, Saturday, November 1, 2008
Holiday Inn Brownstone Room: Washington

Chair: John Yukich, Davidson College

Abstract ID: BAPS.2008.SES.PB.10

### Abstract: PB.00010 : Magnetic field structure in photodetachment from the lowest threshold of the O$^{-}$ ion

12:18 PM–12:30 PM

Preview Abstract MathJax On | Off   Abstract

#### Authors:

John N. Yukich
(Davidson College)

Anne Joiner
(Davidson College)

Robert H. Mohr
(Davidson College)

Numerous experiments have examined photodetachment in a magnetic field at the $^{2}$P$_{3/2 }\to \quad ^{3}$P$_{2}$ threshold of ions such as S$^{-}$ and O$^{-}$. The threshold energy is known as the atom's \textit{electron affinity}. Many of these experiments have visually resolved cyclotron and Zeeman structure in the detachment cross section. We report on an experiment that for the first time has resolved magnetic field structure in detachment at the lowest-lying threshold for the O$^{-}$ ion, the $^{2}$P$_{1/2 }\to \quad ^{3}$P$_{2}$ threshold. Our experimental apparatus includes a Penning ion trap in which the ions are created, trapped and stored, and a single-mode, amplified diode laser. Our observations also yield a quantitative measurement for the threshold energy.

To cite this abstract, use the following reference: http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2008.SES.PB.10