Studies of the 5s2 1 S0-5s5p 3P1 transition in atomic strontium

Abstract

This research utilizes the Electron Shelving (ES) technique to obtain a lifetime measurement of the 3P1 energy state of strontium. The 5s21 S0 → 5p 3 P1 intercombination transition is important because of its promising usefulness in optical frequency standards and high resolution spectroscopy. Unfortunately, the transition lacks a high photon scattering rate to produce a significant signal for optical studies and therefore it is advantageous to monitor the vastly stronger 1S 0 →1 P1 transition. This lifetime measurement yielded a value of tau = 23 +/- 3 mus (systematic uncertainty), which is longer than other current experimental values established in literature. Additional lineshape studies with a dependence on magnetic fields, gravitational acceleration, and laser power were performed and are discussed briefly. These lineshape studies allow an upper linewidth limit to be placed on the pumping laser causing this transition, making these secondary studies a useful method to characterize the laser.