Hyperfine and Zeeman quantum beats of the Na(3 /sup 2/P/sub 3//sub ///sub 2/--3 /sup 2/S/sub 1//sub ///sub 2/) transition, and the decay of coherence

Journal Article · Mon May 15 04:00:00 EDT 1989 · J. Chem. Phys.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6068296

Baba, M; Namba, K; Kato, H

Quantum beats of the Na(3 /sup 2/P/sub 3//sub ///sub 2/--3 /sup 2/S/sub 1//sub ///sub 2/) transition and their change with the magnetic field were observed in pure Na vapor and Na+He gas by using a picosecond laser system. The energies of the hyperfine and Zeeman sublevels of the 3 /sup 2/P/sub 3//sub ///sub 2/ and 3 /sup 2/S/sub 1//sub ///sub 2/ states were calculated by using the reported hyperfine constants and g factors, and the theoretical curve of the quantum beats was calculated. The results were in good agreement with the observed profile of the quantum beats in phase of modulation, but the difference of the amplitudes increased with time. By comparing the amplitude of the theoretical curve of the quantum beats with that of the experimental curve, we determined the relaxation time of coherence. The decay of amplitude of the modulation was found to become faster as the pressure of the foreign gas (He) was increased. The decay of amplitude, i.e., the decay of coherence arises from the dephasing, which occurs from the fluctuation of the level energies induced by the interatomic interaction.

• Research Organization: Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kobe University, Nada-ku, Kobe 657, Japan
• OSTI ID: 6068296
• Journal Information: J. Chem. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Chem. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 90:10; ISSN JCPSA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640302* -- Atomic
Molecular & Chemical Physics-- Atomic & Molecular Properties & Theory
74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS
ALKALI METALS
ELEMENTS
ENERGY-LEVEL TRANSITIONS
FLUORESCENCE
HYPERFINE STRUCTURE
LUMINESCENCE
MAGNETIC FIELDS
METALS
RESONANCE FLUORESCENCE
SODIUM
ZEEMAN EFFECT