Zr3+ ion as a prospective terahertz atomic clock

Abstract

We demonstrate that the transition between the fine-structure splitting of the ground state of triply ionized zirconium (Zr iv) is suitable for a terahertz (THz) atomic clock. Its transition frequency is about 37.52 THz and is mainly guided by the magnetic dipole (M1) transition, and it is accessible by a readily available laser. We suggest considering stable even isotopes of Zr and MJ=+-1/2 sublevels (i.e.,|4D3/2, MJ=+-1/2-->4D5/2, MJ=+-1/2 clock transition) for experimental advantage. By performing necessary calculations, we estimate possible systematics due to blackbody radiation and ac Stark, electric quadrupole, and second-order Zeeman shifts along with shifts due to the second-order Doppler effects. The proposed THz atomic clock could be very useful in quantum thermometry and frequency metrology.