Properties of the ground 3F2 state and the excited 3P0 state of atomic thorium in cold collisions with He3

Abstract

Inelastic cross sections for collisions between thorium (Th) and helium (3He) are measured. For Th[3⁢𝐹2]–3He, we determine the ratio of momentum transfer to Zeeman relaxation cross sections to be 𝛾∼500 at 800 mK. For Th[3⁢𝑃0 ]–3He, we find no quenching of this metastable state during $10^6$ collisions. We measure the radiative lifetime of Th[3⁢𝑃⁢0] to be 𝜏>130 ms. The observed stability of Th[3⁢𝑃0] opens up the possibility of trapping this metastable species.

Publication
Physical Review A