Hence, if the oscillation frequencies of two different ions are measured in the same trap, one after the other, the ratio of their masses can be calculated to a high precision (around one part in 8.5 x 10 -12).Ī cryogenic Penning trap mass spectrometer Once trapped, the particles oscillate at a particular (cyclotron) frequency that depends on their mass, with heavier particles oscillating more slowly than lighter ones. To make these precise measurements, physicists often turn to Penning traps, which use extremely strong magnetic and electric fields to trap charged particles such as single deuterons and other simple ions. The mass of the deuteron can also be used to derive the mass of the neutron, which has implications for metrology as well as for atomic, molecular and neutrino physics. Knowing the precise masses of simple atomic nuclei such as hydrogen, its isotopes deuterium and tritium, and the molecular hydrogen ions H 2 + and HD + (a proton and a deuteron, bound by an electron) is crucial for testing fundamental physics theories such as quantum electrodynamics. The new work, which was carried out by confining deuterons (which are nuclei of deuterium, or “heavy” hydrogen) and carbon-12 nuclei with strong magnetic and electric fields, provides a crucial independent cross-check with previous measurements that yielded inconsistent values. Physicists in Germany say they have made the world’s most precise measurement of the deuteron mass by comparing it to the mass of the carbon-12 nucleus. Webinars Tune into online presentations that allow expert speakers to explain novel tools and applicationsĪssembly of the LIONTRAP Penning-trap system.Video Watch our specially filmed videos to get a different slant on the latest science.Podcasts Our regular conversations with inspiring figures from the scientific community.Audio and video Explore the sights and sounds of the scientific world.Women in physics Celebrating women in physics and their contributions to the field.Supercool physics Experiments that probe the exotic behaviour of matter at ultralow temperatures depend on the latest cryogenics technology.The science and business of space Explore the latest trends and opportunities associated with designing, building, launching and exploiting space-based technologies.Revolutions in computing Find out how scientists are exploiting digital technologies to understand online behaviour and drive research progress.Nanotechnology in action The challenges and opportunities of turning advances in nanotechnology into commercial products.#BlackInPhysics Celebrating Black physicists and revealing a more complete picture of what a physicist looks like.Artificial intelligence Explore the ways in which today’s world relies on AI, and ponder how this technology might shape the world of tomorrow.Collections Explore special collections that bring together our best content on trending topics.Innovation showcases A round-up of the latest innovation from our corporate partners.
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