The most precise atomic mass measurements in Penning traps

• We review the most precise measurements of atomic masses of stable isotopes.
• We present the main motivations, methods and results.
• Motivations include determining the fine structure constant and neutrino mass.
• Methods include image charge detection of single ions in a cryogenic Penning trap.

A perspective is given of the motivations, methods and status of Penning trap atomic mass measurements of long-lived isotopes, with fractional uncertainties near and below 10−10.

Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (58 K)Download as PowerPoint slide