Electronic population manipulation of transition metals in an RFQ ion trap

A pulsed laser system has been installed at the BECOLA facility at NSCL/MSU to develop electronic population manipulation techniques for trapped ions of rare isotopes. A simulation has been developed to evaluate possible optical pumping schemes and estimate expected increase in the population of an energy level used in subsequent laser spectroscopy measurements. Development progress is on time and commissioning tests with stable Zr isotopes are planned.