Light-force technique for measuring polarizabilities

Journal Article · Sun Mar 29 23:00:00 EST 1992 · Physical Review Letters; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.68.2015· OSTI ID:7156669

Kadar-Kallen, M A; Bonin, K D ^[1]

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1. Department of Physics, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544 (United States)

We have developed a light-force technique for measuring polarizabilities. This new method uses the polarizaton forces experienced by an atom in the intense, inhomogeneous electric field of a standing-wave laser to deduce the polarizability. Using a Nd:YAG laser at {lambda}{sub SW}=1.064 {mu}m for the light force, we measured the polarizability of rubidium at this wavelength to be {alpha}({omega}{sub SW})=114{plus minus}9 A{sup 3} ({sigma}). Conversion of this ac polarizability to a static value using a semiempirical formula gives a value of {alpha}{sub dc}=52 A{sup 3}, within 10% of the best published experimental results.

• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 7156669
• Journal Information: Physical Review Letters; (United States), Journal Name: Physical Review Letters; (United States) Vol. 68:13; ISSN PRLTA; ISSN 0031-9007
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

664400* -- Experimentally Derived Information on Atomic & Molecular Properties-- (1992-)
74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS
ALKALI METALS
ATOMS
DATA
ELECTRIC FIELDS
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
ELEMENTS
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
INFORMATION
LASERS
MEASURING METHODS
METALS
NEODYMIUM LASERS
NUMERICAL DATA
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
POLARIZABILITY
RADIATION PRESSURE
RUBIDIUM
SOLID STATE LASERS
STANDING WAVES