Laser-Cooled Atoms: Rubidium [Uncertain Principles] Element: Rubidium (Rb) Atomic Number: 37 Mass: two “stable” isotopes, 85 and 87 amu (rubidium-87 is technically radioactive, but it’s half-life is 48 billion years, so it might as well be stable for atomic physics purposes. Laser cooling wavelength: 780 nm Doppler cooling limit: 140 ?K Chemical classification: Alkali metal, column I of the periodic…
Aug. 22, 2013 - ScienceBlogs
Laser-Cooled Atoms: Sodium [Uncertain Principles] Element: Sodium (Na) Atomic Number: 11 Mass: one stable isotope, 23 amu Laser cooling wavelength: 589 nm Doppler cooling limit: 240 ?K Chemical classification: Alkali metal, column I of the periodic table. Like the majority of elements, it’s a greyish metal at room temperature. Like the other alkalis, it’s highly reactive, and bursts into flame…
Aug. 19, 2013 - ScienceBlogs