Search arXivSearch

arXiv · 1310.6450

Zeeman-tuned rotational level-crossing spectroscopy in a diatomic free radical

Abstract

Rotational levels of molecular free radicals can be tuned to degeneracy using laboratory-scale magnetic fields. Because of their intrinsically narrow width, these level crossings of opposite-parity states have been proposed for use in the study of parity-violating interactions and other applications. We experimentally study a typical manifestation of this system using $^{138}$BaF. Using a Stark-mixing method for detection, we demonstrate level-crossing signals with spectral width as small as 6 kHz. We use our data to verify the predicted lineshapes, transition dipole moments, and Stark shifts, and to precisely determine molecular magnetic g-factors. Our results constitute an initial proof-of-concept for use of this system to study nuclear spin-dependent parity violating effects.

Explore related subjects

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

S. B. Cahn, J. Ammon, E. Kirilov, Y. V. Gurevich, D. Murphree, R. Paolino, D. A. Rahmlow, M. G. Kozlov, D. DeMille. 2014-03-11. Zeeman-tuned rotational level-crossing spectroscopy in a diatomic free radical. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.112.163002

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related papers

Vector Measurements Using Integrated Radio Frequency Atomic Magnetometers

We demonstrate reconstruction of three-dimensional radio-frequency (RF) magnetic-field vectors using a pair of integrated RF atomic magnetometers operated with orthogonal bias-field orientations. A theoretical and experimental analysis identifies a phase-ambiguity dead band that limits reconstruction when the two sensor responses become nearly identical. Measurements performed in an unshielded laboratory environment demonstrate accurate reconstruction of RF magnetic-field orientations and validate the predicted dependence of reconstruction accuracy on signal imbalance. These results establish integrated RF atomic magnetometers as a compact and sensitive platform for directional RF magnetic-field sensing, particularly at low frequencies, and provide a foundation for portable source-localization and field-mapping applications.

physics.atom-ph

Anomalously enhanced lifetimes of low angular momentum Rydberg states in singly charged alkaline-earth metal ions

Trapped ions excited to high-lying electronic states, so-called Rydberg states, open new opportunities for quantum simulation and quantum computing. Generally, the fidelity of quantum coherent operations critically depends on the longevity of Rydberg states. However, scaling laws predict that the lifetimes of Rydberg states in singly charged alkaline-earth metal ions are 16 times shorter, compared to their neutral atom counterparts. Here, we show that this is not generally the case. We report an anomalous lifetime enhancement of certain low angular momentum ionic Rydberg series by factors larger than eight. The anomaly is present at both zero and finite temperature, although it is caused by different mechanisms. At zero temperature, the anomalously enhanced lifetimes are caused by accidental cancellations of the relevant dipole transition matrix elements, while at room temperature the anomaly originates from the enlarged energetic separation of ionic Rydberg levels with respect to neutral-atom levels.

physics.atom-ph

Ytterbium lattice clock with systematic uncertainty of $1.3\times 10^{-18}$ and instability at the $10^{-19}$ level

We report an optical lattice clock based on $^{171}$Yb atoms with a total systematic uncertainty of $1.3\times 10^{-18}$. An in-vacuum buildup cavity was employed to enhance the lattice light power. Differential frequency measurement between two identical clocks facilitates the evaluation of systematic shifts. Synchronous comparison of the two clocks reached a stability level of $2.7\times 10^{-19}$ in an averaging time of 216,000~s. The blackbody radiation (BBR) shield which is placed in vacuum provides a well-characterized BBR environment, enabling an uncertainty contribution of $8.7\times 10^{-19}$ from the BBR Stark shift. Lattice light shifts were measured at different lattice depths $U$, and fitted with a fourth-order polynomial of $U$. The zero-linear-shift frequency $ν_{\mathrm{zero}}$ was determined to be 394 798 260.6(3) MHz. The lattice light shift can be controlled at an uncertainty level of $6.3\times 10^{-19}$ under typical operating conditions. Other systematic shifts have also been evaluated. The two clocks will be used for remote frequency comparisons between Shanghai and Wuhan.

physics.atom-ph