Laser excitation of the 1S–2S transition in singly-ionized helium

Abstract

Laser spectroscopy of atomic hydrogen and hydrogen-like atoms is a powerful tool for tests of fundamental physics. The 1S–2S transition of hydrogen in particular is a cornerstone for stringent Quantum Electrodynamics (QED) tests and for an accurate determination of the Rydberg constant. We report laser excitation of the 1S–2S transition in singly-ionized helium (3He+), a hydrogen-like ion with much higher sensitivity to QED than hydrogen itself. The transition requires two-photon excitation in the challenging extreme ultraviolet wavelength range, which we achieve with a tabletop coherent laser system suitable for precision spectroscopy. The transition is excited by combining an ultrafast amplified pulse at 790 nm (derived from a frequency comb laser) with its 25th harmonic at 32 nm (produced by high-harmonic generation). The results are well described by our simulations and we achieve a sizable 2S excitation fraction of 10−4 per pulse, paving the way for future precision studies. A measurement of the 1S-2S transition frequency in He+ would enable fundamental physics tests, but the required extreme ultraviolet radiation makes this a challenge. The authors observe such transition using radiation produced by high-harmonic generation of frequency comb pulses, in a manner that is compatible with future precision spectroscopy.