Development of an optical frequency standard based upon the /sup 2/S/sub 1/2/-/sup 2/D/sub 5/2/ transition in Sr/sup +/

Recent work is presented on the development of an optical frequency standard, based on the /sup 2/S/sub 1/2/-/sup 2/D/sub 5/2/ transition at 674 nm in /sup 88/Sr/sup +/. Work on characterising the probe laser is also presented and the observed linewidth of one of the /spl Delta/m=0 Zeeman components of the 674 nm transition is 290 Hz. Two traps have been operated simultaneously and a null offset between them confirmed at the 3 parts in 10/sup 13/ level. The feasibility of cooling and probing /sup 87/Sr/sup +/ is also discussed.