Domestic researchers have succeeded for the first time in a rare isotope beam-based laser spectroscopy experiment using a heavy ion accelerator. This is considered a significant achievement in that it lays the foundation for high-precision analysis of the nuclear structures of rare nuclides, which were difficult to measure due to their extremely short half-lives.

The Institute for Basic Science (IBS) Heavy Ion Accelerator Laboratory (IRIS) announced on the 30th that it has succeeded in the first domestic laser spectroscopy experiment on sodium (Na) isotopes using the 'CLaSsy (Collinear Laser Spectroscopy)' coaxial laser spectrometer, in collaboration with the ROKAFA, CENS, Korea University, Korea National University of Education, and the Advanced Radiation Research Institute of the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute.

The study utilized a beam generated via the ISOL (Online Separation) method, and the research results were published in the international SCI(E) journal 'Journal of Instrumentation'.

The CLaSsy device is an instrument based on 'in-beam laser spectroscopy' that aligns an ion and atomic beam traveling at approximately 400,000 m/s with a laser to perform spectroscopy on rare nuclides before they decay.

The research team explained that this allows them to measure the energy structure of rare nuclides and derive nuclear information necessary for establishing nuclear models.

This experiment verified the performance of the CLaSsy device and demonstrated that high-precision nuclear structure research on short-half-life rare nuclides is possible.

Park Sung-jong, a research fellow at the IBS Experimental Devices Team, said, “It will serve as the foundation for the aluminum (Al) isotope spectroscopic experiment linked with the Laser Ion Source (RILIS) and CLaSsy currently being prepared,” adding, “The laser-based device will become a key device for RAON’s rare isotope research.”

Corresponding author Jaehyun Song, an IBS postdoctoral researcher, [applied] optical pumping to the CLaSsy deviceIt was mentioned that it can also be used as a nuclear spin polarizer by applying the ping method, and that it has potential for use in various fields such as nuclear physics, materials science, and biomedical science.

Professor Yoo Hoon of the Air Force Academy, the experiment leader, stated that if the technology is established to include 'in-trap laser spectroscopy' following in-source and in-beam, the scope of research can be expanded to include improved measurement precision, exploration of new material properties, and detection of radiation reactions.

Kwon Myeon, Acting Director of IRIS, stated, “This is the first case in Korea where laser technology has been applied to research on rare nuclei at a heavy ion accelerator facility,” adding that it will serve as a foundation for RAON to develop into an advanced laser technology infrastructure in the future.