Quantum interference and non-linear spectroscopy Final report

Abstract

An experimental and theoretical program aimed at investigating the quantum coherence induced effects in an atomic system, was carried out. The experimental program was carried out on both cesium and rubidium atomic systems, in which we probed the effects of coherences between various atomic states. These coherences were found to influence the optical pumping properties and the population transfer mechanisms in these systems. The experiments probed these properties in both an atomic beam and in an optically created cold atomic lattice. Using a unique method, we optically pumped Cs in an atomic beam into a single quantum state, thus allowing us to prepare a spin aligned system. Once in a single quantum state, the atom was then available for further interaction with a laser, and we were able to study the evolution of the atomic state coherences. The dependence of the coherence on laser linewidth, external magnetic field and laser polarization was examined both theoretically and experimentally. We also developed a single mode diode laser for operation at 895 nm for probing the cesium D_1 line, for which laser diodes were until now not accessible. In another experiment, on laser cooled rubidium atoms, we probed the atomic lattice by Bragg diffraction of coherent light. By an additional probe spectroscopy we could probe the minute atomic motions of an atom deeply bound in a potential well. (orig.)SIGLEAvailable from TIB Hannover: F98B1587 / FIZ - Fachinformationszzentrum Karlsruhe / TIB - Technische InformationsbibliothekGerman-Israeli Foundation for Scientific Research and Development (GIF), Oberschleissheim (Germany)DEGerman