Absolute frequency determination of the 5P3/2-->7S1/2 transition in 87Rb

We report the absolute frequency of the important 5S(1/2)-->7S(1/2) two-photon transition in (87)Rb. We access the upper state using two dipole-allowed transitions via the intermediate 5P(3/2) state. This allows us to use much lower laser intensities compared to directly driving the two-photon transition, thereby avoiding potential errors due to the AC Stark shift. Collisional shifts are also minimized because the atomic density required is several orders of magnitude smaller. Our values are consistent with earlier frequency-comb measurements.     

Investigation on the Cs 6S1/2 to 7D electric quadrupole transition via monochromatic two-photon process at 767 nm

We experimentally demonstrate the cesium electric quadrupole transition from the 6S_1/2 ground state to the 7D_3/2,5/2 excited state through a virtual level by using a single laser at 767 nm. The excited state energy level population is characterized by varying the laser power, the temperature of the vapor, and the polarization combinations of the laser beams. The optimized experimental parameters are obtained for a high resolution transition interval identification. The magnetic dipole coupling constant A and electric quadrupole coupling constant B for the 7D_3/2,5/2 states are precisely determined by using the hyperfine levels intervals. The results, A = 7.39 (0.06) MHz, B = −0.19 (0.18) MHz for the 7D_3/2 state, and A = −1.79 (0.05) MHz, B =1.05 (0.29) MHz for the 7D_5/2 state, are in good agreement with the previous reported results. This work is beneficial for the determination of atomic structure information and parity non-conservation, which paves the way for the field of precision measurements and atomic physics.     

Low phase noise diode laser oscillator for 1S-2S spectroscopy in atomic hydrogen

We report on a low-noise diode laser oscillator at 972?nm actively stabilized to an ultrastable vibrationally and thermally compensated reference cavity. To increase the fraction of laser power in the carrier we designed a 20?cm long external cavity diode laser with an intracavity electro-optical modulator. The fractional power in the carrier reaches 99.9%, which corresponds to an rms phase noise of φ(rms)2=1?mrad2 in 10?MHz bandwidth. Using this oscillator, we recorded 1S-2S spectra in atomic hydrogen and have not observed any significant loss of the excitation efficiency due to phase noise multiplication in the three consecutive two-photon processes.     

Improved measurement of the hydrogen 1S-2S transition frequency

We have measured the 1S-2S transition frequency in atomic hydrogen via two-photon spectroscopy on a 5.8 K atomic beam. We obtain f(1S-2S) = 2,466,061,413,187,035 (10) Hz for the hyperfine centroid, in agreement with, but 3.3 times better than the previous result [M. Fischer et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 92, 230802 (2004)]. The improvement to a fractional frequency uncertainty of 4.2 × 10(-15) arises mainly from an improved stability of the spectroscopy laser, and a better determination of the main systematic uncertainties, namely, the second order Doppler and ac and dc Stark shifts. The probe laser frequency was phase coherently linked to the mobile cesium fountain clock FOM via a frequency comb.     

Coherent manipulation of electron spins up to ambient temperatures in Cr5+ (S = 1/2) doped K3NbO8

We report coherent spin manipulation on Cr(5+) (S = 1/2, I = 0) doped K(3)NbO(8), which constitutes a dilute two-level model relevant for use as a spin qubit. Rabi oscillations are observed for the first time in a spin system based on transition metal oxides up to room temperature. At liquid helium temperature the phase coherence relaxation time T2 reaches approximately 10 micros and, with a Rabi frequency of 20 MHz, yields a single-qubit figure of merit Q(M) of about 500. This shows that a diluted ensemble of Cr(5+) (S = 1/2) doped K(3)NbO(8) is a potential candidate for solid-state quantum information processing.     

Measurement of the hydrogen 1S- 2S transition frequency by phase coherent comparison with a microwave cesium fountain clock

We report on an absolute frequency measurement of the hydrogen 1S-2S two-photon transition in a cold atomic beam with an accuracy of 1.8 parts in 10(14). Our experimental result of 2 466 061 413 187 103(46) Hz has been obtained by phase coherent comparison of the hydrogen transition frequency with an atomic cesium fountain clock. Both frequencies are linked with a comb of laser frequencies emitted by a mode locked laser.     

利用双光缔合光谱技术直接测量超冷铯分子0u+(6S1/2+6P1/2)长程态的转动常数的实验研究

实验获得了超冷铯分子6S_1/2+6P_1/2离解限下0_u⁺长程态振动能级v=187的转动常数. 首先利用调制的荧光光谱技术获得了高分辨的转动量子数J=0–6的超冷铯分子纯转动光谱. 利用双光缔合光谱技术, 构建了高精度的频率参考信号, 进而得到了相邻转动能级间的频率间隔. 最后通过非刚性转子模型拟合得到了转动常数和离心畸变常数.     

铯原子气室中D2线泵浦探测光谱的实验观测

在铯原子气室中采用偏振方向相互垂直且同向传播的线偏泵浦光和探测光，研究了铯原子D2线的泵浦探测光谱。由于在6 S1/2 F=3 – 6 P3/2 F’=2 超精细跃迁中存在多个L型塞曼子能级结构，从而产生了电磁诱导透明导致的吸收减弱；而在6 S1/2 F=4 – 6 P3/2 F’=5 超精细跃迁中则观测到了电磁诱导吸收。通过改变泵浦光的失谐量，在电磁诱导透明形成的吸收减弱凹陷和电磁诱导吸收产生的吸收增强峰内部均观察到了反常的吸收信号反转。     

Sideband-resolved spectroscopy on the 4 2S(1/2)-3 2D(5/2) transition in single calcium ions by use of fundamental waves of diode lasers

The 4 2S(1/2)-3 2D(5/2) electric quadrupole transition in calcium ions, which is expected to be used in calcium-ion optical frequency standards, is spectroscopically investigated with a laser system that uses only fundamental waves of diode lasers as light sources. Four Zeeman components allowed by the selection rules for the electric quadrupole transition are identified. As for one Zeeman component, one large carrier and accompanying smaller first sidebands are observed, which implies that Lamb-Dicke confinement of the ion is achieved. The compact and reliable system for spectroscopy of single calcium ions described is advantageous for realization of practical optical frequency standards.     

铯原子7S1/2态磁偶极超精细常数的测量

在室温下的原子气室中, 基于铯原子6S_1/2-6P_3/2-7S_1/2(852.3 nm+1469.9 nm) 阶梯型能级系统, 利用电光调制器的主频和±1级边带分别产生的三套双共振吸收光谱, 当驱动电光调制器的信号源频率严格等于7S_1/2态超精细分裂的能级间隔时, 三套谱线中的一些超精细跃迁谱线重叠且线宽最窄, 利用这一现象很好地避免了激光器频率扫描时非线性效应的影响, 测量出了7S_1/2 态超精细分裂能级间隔: 2183.72 MHz±0.23 MHz, 并计算出该态的磁偶极超精细常数: A_hfs= 545.93 m MHz±0.06 MHz, 与文献中报道的测量结果一致.     

Cesium 6S(1/2) --> 8S(1/2) two-photon-transition-stabilized 822.5 nm diode laser

A cesium 6S(1/2) --> 8S(1/2) two-photon-transition (TPT)-stabilized 822.5 nm diode laser is reported for the first time to our knowledge. Allan deviation of 4.4 x 10(-13) (60 s) was achieved, and the possible systematic errors were evaluated as smaller than 2 kHz. We demonstrate that the cesium TPT-stabilized diode laser could be a reliable frequency reference at 822.5 nm wavelength.     

Experimental determination of the helium 2(3)P(1)-1(1)S0 transition rate

We present the first experimental determination of the 2(3)P(1)-1(1)S0 transition rate in helium and compare this measurement with theoretical quantum-electrodynamic predictions. The experiment exploits the very long (approximately 1 minute) confinement times obtained for atoms magneto-optically trapped in an apparatus used to create a Bose-Einstein condensate of metastable (2(3)S1) helium. The 2(3)P(1)-1(1)S0 transition rate is measured directly from the decay rate of the cold atomic cloud following 1083 nm laser excitation from the 2(3)S1 to the 2(3)P1 state, and from accurate knowledge of the 2(3)P1 population. The value obtained is 177+/-8 s(-1), which agrees very well with theoretical predictions, and has an accuracy that compares favorably with measurements for the same transition in heliumlike ions higher in the isoelectronic sequence.     

超冷铯Rydberg原子的Autler-Townes分裂

主要研究超冷铯Rydberg原子阶梯型三能级系统的Autler-Townes(A-T)分裂.铯原子基态6S_(1/2)、第一激发态6P_(3/2)和Rydberg态形成阶梯型三能级系统,强耦合光共振作用于6P_(3/2)(F′=5)→34D_(5/2)的跃迁,探测光由偏振光谱锁定在6S_(1/2)(F=4)→6P_(3/2)(F′=5)的跃迁,并由双通的声光调制器在其共振跃迁附近扫描,形成的Rydberg原子A-T分裂谱由单光子计数器探测.A-T光谱的双峰间距与耦合光的拉比频率成正比,实验结果与理论计算在耦合光拉比频率Ω_c2π×9 MHz时符合得很好,在拉比频率Ω_c2π×9 MHz时,测量的A-T分裂比理论计算值小13%.产生偏差的主要原因是由于较大的耦合光拉比频率Ω_c增加了激发的Rydberg原子数,Rydberg原子间的相互作用产生了较大的退相干率所致.     

Cs 5D_(5/2)-6F 728 nm Laser Spectroscopy with Single Pumping Laser

The sub-Doppler absorption laser spectroscopy at 728 nm transition from the 5D5/2 state to the 6 F state of cesium with linewidth near 10 MHz is first experimentally performed with indirect pumping from the ground state 6S_(1/2)to the state 7P_(3/2)by a 455.5 nm diode laser.Using a 455.5 nm diode laser as an indirect pump laser,several excited states will be populated due to spontaneous decay from the 7P state.We first implement the sub-Doppler absorption laser spectroscopy at 728 nm from the 5D_(5/2)state to the 6F state when Cs atoms within thermal glass cell decay to the 5D_(5/2) state.Due to velocity transfer effect,the hyperfine structure of 5D_(5/2)shows a mixed and complicated pattern but very clear structure when the 455.5 nm pumping laser is counter-propagating(or co-propagating)with the 728 nm probing laser.     

Cs(6DJ)+Cs(6S1/2)非弹性碰撞转移截面的测定

在9×1014～2.1×1015cm-3 Cs密度范围内,利用脉冲激光双光子激发Cs(6S1/2)到Cs(6D5/2)态,使用原子荧光光谱方法,通过三能级模型的速率方程分析,由对直接荧光和转移荧光的时间积分强度的测量,得到6D5/2→6D3/2精细结构转移截面为(2.1±0.4)×10-14cm2,而6D3/2态向6D以外态的转移截面为(1.6±0.4)×10-14cm2,它应是过程Cs(6 D3/2)+Cs(6S)→Cs(6P)+Cs(6P),6D3/2→7P3/2和6D3/2→7 P1/2碰撞转移截面之和.第二个实验可以得到6 D3/2→7P3/2和6D3/2→7 P1/2的碰撞转移截面.在1×1012～6×1012cm-3的低密度Cs蒸气中,激光双光子激发6S至6D3/2或6D5/2态,测量6DJ→6PJ'与7PJ"→6S1/2的时间积分荧光强度比,得到6D3/2→7P1/2与6D5/2→7R3/2的碰撞转移截面分别为(7.6±2.4)×10-15cm2与(1.6±0.5)×10-15cm2.由此得到碰撞能量合并的逆过程即[Cs(6D3/2)+Cs(6S1/2)→Cs(6P)+Cs(6P)]的转移截面为(1.3±0.4)×10-14cm2.     

Observation and absolute frequency measurements of the 1S0-3P0 optical clock transition in neutral ytterbium

We report the direct excitation of the highly forbidden (6s2) 1S0 <--> (6s6p) 3P0 optical transition in two odd isotopes of neutral ytterbium. As the excitation laser frequency is scanned, absorption is detected by monitoring the depletion from an atomic cloud at approximately 70 microK in a magneto-optical trap. The measured frequency in 171Yb (F=1/2) is 518,295,836,591.6 +/- 4.4 kHz. The measured frequency in 173Yb (F=5/2) is 518,294,576,847.6 +/- 4.4 kHz. Measurements are made with a femtosecond-laser frequency comb calibrated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology cesium fountain clock and represent nearly a 10(6)-fold reduction in uncertainty. The natural linewidth of these J=0 to J=0 transitions is calculated to be approximately 10 mHz, making them well suited to support a new generation of optical atomic clocks based on confinement in an optical lattice.     

High-resolution spectroscopy with and frequency stabilization of a cw dye laser

The hyperfine splittings of the Na D₁ and D₂ lines were investigated using a single mode cw dye laser. The light of the laser was scattered by the atoms of an atomic beam and the fluorescent light was observed as the frequency of the laser was tuned across the D lines. The Doppler width of the atomic beam was reduced to about 2.5 MHz so that the absorption width of the atoms of the beam was essentially determined by the natural width of the 3²P_1/2 and 3²P_3/2 levels, which is about 10 MHz. Since the linewidth observed for the hyperfine transitions was 30 MHz, most of the hyperfine components of the D₁ and D₂ lines could be resolved. In another experiment the frequency of the dye laser was locked to a hyperfine transition of the D₁ line. The observed variation of the output frequency of the dye laser was less than ±1.5 MHz. In addition, the intensity of the dye laser was controlled to about 10⁻³, using an electro-optically variable transmission filter.     

光学偶极阱中铷原子5S_(1/2)及5P_(3/2)态的AC Stark频移

基于二能级模型和多能级模型,分析计算了由强聚焦高斯光束形成的光学偶极阱中87Rb原子5S1/2态和5P3/2态的AC Stark频移。基于多能级模型,针对在852 nm高斯激光束强聚焦所形成的87Rb原子远失谐光学偶极阱中进行偏振梯度冷却的情形,计算了冷却循环跃迁(5S1/2F=2-5P3/2F′=3)的频移量,结果显示频移对molasses冷却过程产生了重要的影响。同时,计算了5S1/2|F=2,mF=±2〉态和5P3/2|F′=3,mF=±3〉态的AC Stark频移随光学偶极阱激光波长的变化情况,发现在红失谐情况下,对于87Rb原子5S1/2-5P3/2态跃迁不存在魔数波长。     

Off-resonance laser frequency stabilization using the Faraday effect

We present a simple technique for stabilization of a laser frequency off resonance using the Faraday effect in a heated vapor cell with an applied magnetic field. In particular, we demonstrate stabilization of a 780 nm laser detuned up to 14 GHz from the (85)Rb D(2) 5(2)S(1/2) F = 2 to 5(2)P(3/2) F' = 3 transition. Control of the temperature of the vapor cell and the magnitude of the applied magnetic field allows locking ~6-14 GHz red and blue detuned from the atomic line. We obtain an rms fluctuation of 7 MHz over 1 h without stabilization of the cell temperature or magnetic field.     

Hyperfine splitting,isotope shift,and level energy of the 3S states of (6,7)Li

We study the 2S-3S transition of (6,7)Li by high-precision laser spectroscopy using two-photon Doppler-free excitation and photoionization detection. Interferometric cross referencing to metrologic Rb 3S-5D two-photon transitions allowed measurement of the transition isotope shift and hyperfine splitting in the 3S state with precision at the 30 kHz level. The results are IS=11 453.734(30) MHz, A(3S)(6Li)=35.263(15) MHz, and A(3S)(7Li)=93.106(11) MHz. Combined with recent theoretical work, the isotope shift yields a new value for the change in squared nuclear charge radii DeltaR(2)=0.47(5) fm(2). This is compared with other work and some existing discrepancies are resolved.