High-sensitivity measurement of He 3 − He 4 isotopic ratios for ultracold neutron experiments

Research efforts ranging from studies of solid helium to searches for a neutron electric dipole moment require isotopically purified helium with a ratio of 3 He to 4 He at levels below that which can be measured using traditional mass spectroscopy techniques. We demonstrate an approach to such a measurement using accelerator mass spectroscopy, reaching the 10 - 14 level of sensitivity, several orders of magnitude more sensitive than other techniques. Measurements of 3 He / 4 He in samples relevant to the measurement of the neutron lifetime indicate the need for substantial corrections. We also argue that there is a clear path forward to sensitivity increases of at least another order of magnitude