Improved Wavelength Measurement of 2S1/2→2P1/2 and 2D3/2→3[3/2]1/2 Transitions in Yb+

Abstract

Trapped ions nowadays play an important role in both fundamental science and technical applications. Due to its convenient energy structure, singly charged ytterbium ion is widely used in microwave and optical frequency standards, tests of fundamental theories, and quantum information science. In this paper, we present the results of wavelengths measurements in the ²S_1/2→²P_1/2 and ²D_3/2→³[3/2]_1/2 transitions in ¹⁷⁰Yb⁺, ¹⁷¹Yb⁺, ¹⁷²Yb⁺, ¹⁷⁴Yb⁺, and ¹⁷⁶Yb⁺ ions with uncertainties of 50 and 20 MHz, respectively. We reach a factor of three-times improvement in the accuracy with respect to the previously published data, which significantly simplifies the process of initial ion trapping and cooling, in a laser system and an ion trap designed for the YBIS Project aimed for developing a compact and transportable optical clock based on a single ¹⁷¹Yb⁺ ion.