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arXiv · 2310.17040

Precision measurement of the n=2 triplet P J=1-to-J=0 fine structure of atomic helium using frequency-offset separated oscillatory fields

F. Heydarizadmotlagh·T. D. G. Skinner·K. Kato·M. C. George·E. A. Hessels
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Abstract

Increasing accuracy of the theory and experiment of the $n$$=$$2$ $^3$P fine structure of helium has allowed for increasingly-precise tests of quantum electrodynamics (QED), determinations of the fine-structure constant $α$, and limitations on possible beyond-the-Standard-Model physics. Here we present a 2~part-per-billion (ppb) measurement of the $J$$=$$1$-to-$J$$=$$0$ interval. The measurement is performed using frequency-offset separated-oscillatory-fields. Our result of $29\,616\,955\,018(60)$~Hz represents a landmark for helium fine-structure measurements, and, for the first time, will allow for a 1-ppb determination of the fine-structure constant when QED theory for the interval is improved.

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F. Heydarizadmotlagh, T. D. G. Skinner, K. Kato, M. C. George, E. A. Hessels. 2023-10-25. Precision measurement of the n=2 triplet P J=1-to-J=0 fine structure of atomic helium using frequency-offset separated oscillatory fields. https://arxiv.org/abs/2310.17040

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