Polarization spectroscopy of the sodium dimer utilizing a triple-resonance technique in the presence of argon

ORAL

Abstract

The collisional dynamics of molecular sodium in the $6^1\Sigma_g$ electronic state is under investigation using a triple resonance technique in the presence of argon. A continuous wave ring dye laser is used to populate specific rovibrational levels of the $A^1\Sigma_u$ electronic state. A pump-probe technique is then employed where the pump laser populates the $6^1\Sigma_g$ state, and the probe laser dumps the population to the $B^1\Sigma_u$ state. From this level, fluorescence is detected as the system decays to the $X^1\Sigma_g$ state. We measure the polarization of this signal in the presence of various argon pressures. We will present our current work as well as the processes involved in the experiment.

*Financial support from the National Science Foundation (Grant No. NSF-PHY-1309571) is gratefully acknowledged.

Authors

  • Phill Arndt

    • Miami University
  • Timothy Horton

    • Miami University
  • Jacob McFarland

    • Miami University
  • Burcin Bayram

    • Miami University