Revisiting the J = 1 ← 0 fundamental rotational transition of HHe+ with action spectroscopy

Abstract

The J = 1 ← 0 fundamental rotational transition of HHe⁺ at 2.010 THz has been revisited using a combination of a 4 K 22-pole ion trap apparatus and a high-power frequency multiplied THz source. For the detection of the resonant absorption, three different action spectroscopic techniques have been applied, one of which is demonstrated here for the first time (ejection of the ion upon pure rotational excitation). The different methods are evaluated and compared, and improve the accuracy and precision of the former transition value by one order of magnitude to 2010.183312(8) GHz.