An undergraduate experiment to determine the hyperfine structure of the 7 3S1 → 6 3P2 transitions in Hg
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: An undergraduate physics experiment is described that uses a Fabry–Perot etalon and digital camera to determine the hyperfine frequency shifts in naturally occurring mercury. Radiation at 546 nm emitted from the 7 3S1 state relaxing to the 6 3P2 state in a low pressure Hg lamp is selected by an interference filter to pass through the etalon. This produces a series of concentric rings at the focus of the camera lens that are analyzed using bespoke software written for this experiment. Results from the analysis are compared to theoretical calculations of the hyperfine shifts for both the 199Hg and 201Hg isotopes.
Source: European Journal of Physics
Authors: Rosie Barnes, Edward Wilson, Andrew James Murray
Institution: University of Manchester
Language: English
Topic: Atomic and Molecular Physics
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,325
OpenAlex ID: W4407960434