Measurement of the first ionization potential of lawrencium by surface ionization method

Sato, Tetsuya   

We successfully determined the first ionization potential of lawrencium (Lr, Z=103). The result experimentally substantiated for the first time that Lr is the last member of the actinide series. Measured ionization potential suggested that Lr atom would have the electronic configuration which is different from the configuration expected based on the Periodic table. For the measurement, we have developed a novel method applied the surface ionization process. Public responses after the publication are also introduced.