Photoassociation Spectroscopy of the Lowest Triplet Potential of Na2

Published

February 1, 2004

Author(s)

R Dumke, M Johanning, J D. Weinstein, Paul D. Lett

Abstract

We have performed a type of Autler-Townes spectroscopy to investigate the level structure of the triplet ground state potential of the sodium dimer. By driving photoassociation transitions with continuous-wave lasers, we state-selectively form excited-state molecules from ultracold sodium atoms. By using a second laser to drive transitions from the excited state to the triplet ground state, we have been able to measure over 100 individual rovibrational and hyperfine states with a typical accuracy of 15 MHz. This is an improvement of roughly three orders of magnitude over previous work.We are currently completing construction of a new apparatus which will use similar techniques to produce, magnetically trap, and state-selectively detect sodium molecules. Progress towards using this apparatus to measure ultracold atom-molecule scattering properties will be discussed.

Proceedings Title

Sigma Xi Post Doctoral Poster Presentations, 2004

Conference Dates

February 19-20, 2004

Pub Type

Conferences

Keywords

lowest, Na^d2, photoassocation, potential, spectroscopy, triplet

Citation

Dumke, R. , Johanning, M. , Weinstein, J. and Lett, P. (2004), Photoassociation Spectroscopy of the Lowest Triplet Potential of Na₂, Sigma Xi Post Doctoral Poster Presentations, 2004 (Accessed October 17, 2025)