Microwave Measurement of the n=2 Triplet P J=1-to-J=2 Fine-Structure Interval of Helium
Abstract
The n=2 triplet P J=1-to-J=2 interval in helium has been measured to a precision of 350 Hz using the Ramsey method of separated oscillatory field. This 350-Hz measurement is the most precise to date of the n=2 triplet structure. Comparison between precise measurements of the n=2 triplet P fine structure and theoretical predictions will allow for a precise determination of the fine-structure constant when the current large discrepancy between experiment (PRL 95 203001; PRL 87 173002; PRL 84 4321; Can J Phys 83 301) and theory (PRL 97 013002; Can J Phys 80 1195) is resolved.
- Publication:
-
APS April Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- May 2009
- Bibcode:
- 2009APS..APR.K1082B