Optical resolution beyond the natural linewidth: A level-crossing experiment on the 32 P 3/2 level of sodium using a tunable dye laser

A level crossing experiment on the hyperfine structure of the 3² P _3/2 level of Na²³ was performed using a nitrogen laser pumped dye laser for the excitation of the Na atoms. The fluorescent light was observed in time intervals which were initiated up to seven lifetimes after excitation. Therefore the signal was only determined by atoms having survived in the excited state up to the initiating time. The minimum linewidth observed was 6 times smaller than the natural width. Neighbouring crossing signals, which overlap in a level crossing experiment using time integral observation of the fluorescent light, could be resolved. The accuracy of the hyperfine constants of the 3² P _3/2 level could be improved.