Berlin 2014 – scientific programme
Parts | Days | Selection | Search | Updates | Downloads | Help
A: Fachverband Atomphysik
A 2: Precision spectroscopy of atoms and ions I (with Q)
A 2.5: Talk
Monday, March 17, 2014, 11:30–11:45, BEBEL E42
Doppler-free broadband two-photon excitation spectroscopy with two optical frequency combs — •Arthur Hipke1,2, Samuel A. Meek1, Nathalie Picqué1,2,3, and Theodor W. Hänsch1,2 — 1Max-Planck-Institut für Quantenoptik, Hans-Kopfermann-Str. 1, 85748 Garching, Germany — 2Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Fakultät für Physik, Schellingstrasse 4/III, 80799 München, Germany — 3Institut des Sciences Moléculaires d’Orsay, CNRS, Bâtiment 350, Université Paris-Sud, 91405 Orsay, France
Doppler-free precision measurements of atomic samples are traditionally performed using either a cw laser, or an optical frequency comb for sample interrogation. The limited spectral span where powerful cw lasers are available, however, puts a limit on the optical transitions it can be used for. Using a comb instead considerably complicates data analysis, since multiple transitions can potentially be driven simultaneously, resulting in highly intricate spectra. The limitations of both of these techniques can be overcome by simultaneously interrogating the sample with two combs having slightly detuned repetition rates. We demonstrate this technique’s capability for high-resolution (up to 2 MHz) broadband precision spectroscopy by exciting the 5S1/2→5D3/2 and 5S1/2→5D5/2 two-photon transitions of atomic Rb vapor at 385 THz (778 nm). Broad two-photon excitation spectra showing well-resolved excited-states Rb hyperfine structure will be presented, clearly paving the way for precision spectroscopy of complex, molecular spectra in any spectral region where optical frequency combs are available.