Laser spectroscopy of short-lived species

Laser spectroscopic access to short-lived nuclear states, ∼1 ms lifetime, irrespective of the chemical properties of the isotope, is now possible at the laser-IGISOL facility, JYFL, Jyväskylä. A newly commissioned ion beam cooler at the facility has increased the scope for future optical studies and a low energy spread (∼1 eV), point-like source of radioactive ions can be supplied independent of the method of sample production. The fully operational cooler will enable the trapping and optical study of a wealth of exotic nuclear systems for which no previous systematic access has been possible.