Absolute Frequency Measurements of the $D_1$ and $D_2$ Transitions in Aatomic Li

POSTER

Abstract

We present preliminary results from our measurements of the $D_1$ and $D_2$ transitions in Li. The data were obtained from a collimated atomic beam excited by light from an extended cavity diode laser. The frequency of the diode laser was stabilized to an optical frequency comb, providing absolute frequency measurement and control of the excitation laser frequency. These measurements will provide a stringent test of atomic structure calculations and yield information about the nuclear structure. We also discuss plans to extend the technique to other high-lying states in lithium.

*Funded by the NIST Precision Measurements Grant and NSF Award \#1305591.

Authors

  • Donal Sheets

    • Department of Physics and Astronomy, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH 44074
  • Jose Almaguer

    • Department of Physics and Astronomy, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH 44074
  • Jacob Baron

    • Department of Physics and Astronomy, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH 44074
  • Peter Elgee

    • Department of Physics and Astronomy, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH 44074
  • Michael Rowan

    • Department of Physics and Astronomy, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH 44074
  • Jason Stalnaker

    • Department of Physics and Astronomy, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH 44074