Polarizability assessments of ion-based optical clocks

It is shown that the dynamic differential scalar polarizability of the S-1/2 - D-5/2 transition in Ba-138(+) can be determined to an inaccuracy below 0.5% across a wide wavelength range (lambda > 700 nm). This can be achieved using measurements for which accurate determination of laser intensity is not required, and most of the required measurements are already in the literature. Measurement of a laser-induced ac-Stark shift of the clock transition would then provide an in situ measurement of the laser's intensity to the same 0.5% level of inaccuracy, which is not easily achieved by other means. This would allow accurate polarizability measurements for clock transitions in other ions, through comparison with Ba-138(+). The approach would be equally applicable to Sr+ and Ca+, with the latter being immediately applicable to Al+/Ca+ quantum logic clocks.