LAMB SHIFT STUDIES IN Cl16+

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Abstract
Experimental studies of the Lamb Shift (2s1/2-2P1/2 energy splitting) in hydrogenic ions continue to be of interest and importance in probing quantum electrodynamic (QED) effects in the high field regime. Experiments are in progress at the double MP Tandem accelerator laboratory, Brookhaven National Laboratory, to measure the Lamb Shift in Cl16+. Metastable 2s1/2 state ions are produced by electron pickup in thin (5µgm/cm2) carbon foils by a beam of 17+ Cl ions formed via stripping the 14+ Cl beam at 190 MeV emergent from the accelerator. The metastable population is monitored by observing the spontaneous 2E1 and M1 decay using a Si(Li) x-ray spectrometer. The lifetime of the 2s1/2 state is found to be 4.92ns (±.04) in agreement with calculations. A unique Q-switched CO2 laser system consisting of an oscillator stage with intracavity grating and a high power amplifier produces 3kW IR radiation at a 10% duty cycle. The laser beam intersects the relativistic particle beam at an angle of 20° such that the Doppler shifted fixed frequencies of the CO2 laser can be discretely tuned about the expected Lamb Shift, 1064.95 cm-1. The resonance condition is determined by an enhanced count rate at 2.96keV, the Cl16+ Lyman α transition, in two 300mm2 x 7mm intrinsic Ge counters

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