A Solid Xenon Catcher for Rare Isotope Laser Spectroscopy

Abstract

Solid xenon layers are proposed as an alternative to graphite catchers for collecting samples at on-line separators. The formation of solid xenon layers is described. Sample atoms of bismuth have been held for up to a day in such layers before being released as cold free atoms for laser spectroscopy measurement. An application to studying daughter nuclei produced by α$\alpha$-decay is considered. It involves a two-stage process where daughter recoils are first accumulated in the xenon layer and subsequently released into flowing helium for laser-ionization and counting.