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Heavy metals, cheap lasers, and precision measurements of atomic structure

Protik Majumdar, Williams College
Thursday, September 19, 2024 - 12:30pm
PAB B-421

With important contributions from many Williams undergraduates over recent years, we have completed a series of high-precision spectroscopic measurements in Group III and IV atoms such as thallium, indium and lead.  These results test state-of-the art theoretical models of these multi-valence atoms and guide further refinement.  I will discuss some recent results including atomic beam / polarizability measurements and will focus on precision measurements of lead transition amplitudes which makes use of a Faraday polarimetry technique that has its roots in the Fortson atomic physics group at UW.  Improved models of these heavy, multi-valence atoms aid in the bigger goals of testing the Standard Model (and beyond) with table-top atomic and laser physics experiments.

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