Magneto-optic trapping of β-decaying 38Km, 37K from an on-line isotope separator

A magneto-optic trap (MOT) can provide a well-polarized, backing-free, localized source of radioactive atoms for α-decay experiments. We have trapped approximately 6000 atoms of ³⁸K^m (t1/2 = 0.925 s) and 2000 atoms of ³⁷K (1.226 s) produced at the TRIUMF on-line separator TISOL in a vapor-cell MOT. We have measured optical isotope shifts and deduced the nuclear charge radii, which show an unusual lack of change at the neutron number N = 20 shell closure. Plans include a search for scalar contributions to the β⁺ - v correlation in the 0⁺--→0⁺ decay of ³⁸K^m. © 1997 The American Physical Society.

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Author Jens Dilling Physics