In a groundbreaking study, researchers from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and Helmholtz Institute Mainz, led by Jonas Stricker and Christoph E. Düllmann, have explored the potential of multiply charged uranium monoxide molecules to probe fundamental physics and the chemical bond under extreme conditions. The team’s findings, published in the journal Nature Communications, open new avenues for high-precision investigations of fundamental symmetries and the exploration of relativistic actinide chemistry.
The researchers focused on multiply charged actinide molecules, which provide a unique platform for studying fundamental physics due to their inherent large relativistic effects and enhanced electronic sensitivity to symmetry-violating nuclear effects. However, experimental investigations of these molecules are challenging because the high charges severely destabilize chemical bonds, leading to spontaneous Coulomb explosion.
To overcome this challenge, the team developed a method to systematically generate and detect molecular ions at the edge of chemical stability. By applying high-fluence laser ablation to a depleted uranium metal foil, they produced atomic uranium ions (U^z+) and uranium monoxide cations (UO^z+) with charges ranging from z=1 to 4. Among these, they observed UO^3+ and UO^4+, which exhibit comparatively simple electronic structures and are therefore promising for precision spectroscopy.
The experiments were supported by relativistic density functional theory calculations of equilibrium bond lengths, charge distributions, and binding energies of all observed molecules. Calculations of symmetry-violating properties suggested a pronounced sensitivity of UO^3+ to hadronic CP violation.
The practical applications of this research for the energy sector are not immediately apparent, as the study is primarily focused on fundamental physics and theoretical chemistry. However, a deeper understanding of the behavior of actinide elements under extreme conditions could potentially inform the development of advanced nuclear fuels and the management of nuclear waste. Additionally, the precision spectroscopy techniques developed in this study could have applications in the detection and analysis of trace amounts of radioactive materials, which is crucial for nuclear safety and security.
In conclusion, the research conducted by Stricker, Düllmann, and their colleagues represents a significant advancement in the study of fundamental physics and relativistic actinide chemistry. While the direct implications for the energy sector may be limited, the insights gained from this work could contribute to the development of advanced nuclear technologies and improved safety measures in the future. The study was published in Nature Communications, a highly respected peer-reviewed journal.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.