Laser Resonance Ionization Spectroscopy of the Lanthanides Tb, Dy and Ho as Homologues to Actinides and Super Heavy Elements

Spectroscopic investigations of the rare earth elements Tb, Dy and Ho have been carried out using laser resonance ionization mass spectroscopy. A variety of new intermediate energy levels and autoionizing states were observed in these elements. Efficient and selective excitation and ionization schemes for the elements have been developed for Ti:Sapphire lasers using the spectroscopic data. Resonant ionization schemes for Np were also been studied as the preparation work for related investigations on actinide elements and for the spectroscopy on the heaviest elements, where spectroscopic data so far are scarce or not existing at all.