English

Second-order hyperfine structure and its impact on new physics searches using isotope shift spectroscopy

Atomic Physics 2025-06-24 v2

Abstract

Recent precision isotope shift spectroscopy experiments have reported King plot non-linearities that may uncover previously hidden nuclear properties or hint at new force-carrying bosons. Interpreting the data requires many isotope pairs, but sufficient stable spin-zero nuclei are not always available. In this paper we consider the use of isotopes with non-zero nuclear spin for these studies. We confirm that observed King plot non-linearity in strontium is explained by second-order hyperfine shift in the fermionic nucleus, and we discuss the limitations of using Yb isotopes with non-zero spin in King plot studies. By introducing a specific difference of two isotopes with nuclear spin, we allow for a promising addition to future experimental schemes.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2409.01530,
  title  = {Second-order hyperfine structure and its impact on new physics searches using isotope shift spectroscopy},
  author = {Julian C. Berengut and Natalia S. Oreshkina},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2409.01530},
  year   = {2025}
}
R2 v1 2026-06-28T18:32:04.566Z