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Delayed-detection measurement of atomic Na 3[ital p] [sup 2][ital P][sub 3/2] hyperfine structure using polarization quantum-beat spectroscopy

Journal Article · · Physical Review A; (United States)
 [1];  [2];  [1]
  1. Physics Department, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia 23529 (United States)
  2. Physics Department, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan 48859 (United States)
A subnatural linewidth measurement of magnetic-dipole and electric-quadrupole hyperfine coupling constants in the atomic Na 3[ital p] [sup 2][ital P][sub 3/2] level are reported. The measurements are made using a pump--delayed-probe method, with delays ranging to 135 ns, more than eight times the natural lifetime of the 3[ital p] [sup 2][ital P][sub 3/2] level. A measurement of hyperfine-induced beats in the time evolution of the electronic alignment permitted determination of the hyperfine frequencies to well beyond the natural width in that level. Hyperfine coupling constants [ital A]=18.534(15) MHz and [ital B]=2.724(30) MHz are obtained, these being more than 2 times more precise than any previous determination of those quantities.
OSTI ID:
6023499
Journal Information:
Physical Review A; (United States), Journal Name: Physical Review A; (United States) Vol. 48:3; ISSN PLRAAN; ISSN 1050-2947
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English