Hyperfine structure of the 609 nm transition of Lu I by RIMS with multi-mode lasers

Abstract

Using multi-mode lasers, two-photon resonant RIMS experiments are performed in a time-of-flight mass spectrometer to investigate the hyperfine structure of the transition of lutetium at 609 nm for both natural isotopes 175Lu and 176Lu. Partial hyperfine envelopes of this transition are recorded by preferentially populating each hyperfine level of its lower energy level at 17427.28 cm−1 (5d6s6p 4F°3/2) from ground level using the first laser and subsequent scanning of the second laser across the transition. Resultant spectra are analysed to determine the upper level hyperfine A and B constants at 33831.46 cm−1 (6s6p2 4P3/2) for 175Lu and 176Lu. Further, isotope shift IS(175Lu, 176Lu) of this level is determined. Using the hyperfine constants and IS of natural isotopes, the hyperfine profile of the medical isotope 177Lu is deduced.