Abstract:
A scheme is proposed for the third stage of laser cooling of thulium atoms at a wavelength of 506.2 nm, and a system for stabilising the laser radiation frequency is described, which provides the required characteristics. The transition |4f13(2Fo)6s2, J = 7/2〉 → |4f13 × (2F o7/2) 6s6p, J = 9/2〉 at a wavelength of 506.2 nm is detected in a magneto-optical trap with the employment of the developed laser setup. The value of hyperfine splitting of the transition upper level is measured, and the single-dimension cooling at this wavelength is observed for the first time.