• 8 May 2026
• 11:00 EDT

Laser-ablation-based ion sources for precision experiments in chemistry and fundamental physics require a new generation of actinide targets. These targets must provide high and stable ion yields while maintaining robustness under repeated laser interactions. Here, we adapt and extend established preparation techniques from ion‑beam target production to develop actinide targets optimized for laser ablation. To address the requirements of physics and chemistry experiments, we demonstrate several approaches for the production of suitable ablation targets: (i) chemical treatment of metal foils (ii) direct synthesis of salt-based targets, (iii) electrochemical deposition on conductive substrates, and (iv) drop-on-demand printing onto conductive and non‑conductive substrates. [1–4]

First tests demonstrate that these targets are well suited for the efficient production of atomic and molecular ions for spectroscopy experiments searching for physics beyond the Standard Model (BSM), while simultaneously enabling studies of molecular systems at the limits of chemical stability with multiply charged molecules. [5]

Multiply charged molecular actinide ions constitute particularly promising candidates for precision tests of fundamental symmetries, owing to their large internal electric fields and strong relativistic effects. At the same time, their production probes the stability of molecules in extreme charge states at the boundary of gas-phase chemistry. Representative species produced from tailored targets include ThF²⁺, PaF³⁺, UF⁴⁺, ThO⁺, and UO²⁺. [1–4]

First molecular spectroscopy experiments were performed at KU Leuven using targets produced at JGU Mainz. Mixed Th-230/232 samples enabled the production of neutral thorium monoxide, demonstrating reliable beam production of molecules and successful spectroscopy measurements. [6]

• 18 May 2026 – 20 May 2026

• 21 May 2026 – 22 May 2026