A Determination of the Fine Structure Constant Using Precision Measurements of Helium Fine Structure
Description:
Spectroscopic measurements of the helium atom are performed to high precision using an atomic beam apparatus and electro-optic laser techniques. These measurements, in addition to serving as a test of helium theory, also provide a new determination of the fine structure constant α. An apparatus was designed and built to overcome limitations encountered in a previous experiment. Not only did this allow an improved level of precision but also enabled new consistency checks, including an extr…
more
Date:
August 2010
Creator:
Smiciklas, Marc
Partner:
UNT Libraries