Title: Probing Nuclear Structure Through High-Precision Atomic Physics

Speaker: Prof. Zong-Chao Yan, University of New Brunswick

Time: 10:00, May. 12 (Monday), 2025

Place: Room 666, Building 5 

Abstract: 

High-precision laser spectroscopy of lightest atoms serves as a dual-purpose tool, not only providing a stringent test of atomic bound-state Quantum Electrodynamics (QED) theory but also offering a unique gateway to probe intricate nuclear properties. In this presentation, I will review recent progress in the field of high-precision laser spectroscopy as a tool to investigate nuclear properties, and I will highlight our collaborative efforts with the experimental group at the Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics (WIPM). Together, we are focusing on exploring the nuclear properties of Li-6 and Li-7 through detailed spectroscopic measurements of the hyperfine structure in Li+ ions. These precise measurements enable us to probe subtle nuclear effects, and when compared with state-of-the-art Nonrelativistic Quantum Electrodynamics (NRQED) calculations, they reveal intriguing discrepancies with established values. Notably, we observe deviations in the Zemach radius of the Li-6 nucleus, as well as in the ratio of the nuclear electric quadrupole moments of Li-6 and Li-7. These findings could offer valuable insights into nuclear structure and interactions, providing important feedback to the nuclear physics community.