Abstract
We describe a method to observe the dynamics of an excited-state transition in a room temperature atomic vapor using hyperfine quantum beats. Our experiment using cesium atoms consists of a pulsed excitation of the D2 transition, and continuous-wave driving of an excited-state transition from the 6P$_{3/2}$ state to the 7S$_{1/2}$ state. We observe quantum beats in the fluorescence from the 6P$_{3/2}$ state which are modified by the driving of the excited-state transition. The Fourier spectrum of the beat signal yields evidence of Autler-Townes splitting of the 6P$_{3/2}$, F = 5 hyperfine level and Rabi oscillations on the excited-state transition. A detailed model provides qualitative agreement with the data, giving insight to the physical processes involved.
Highlights
Excited-state transitions in atomic systems are finding an increasing range of applications including quantum information [1], optical filters [2], electric field sensing [3,4,5], and quantum optics [6,7]
We begin by considering the case of unperturbed hyperfine quantum beats
The peak relating to the F = 3 → F = 4 quantum beat (201 MHz) is very weak as the population in these two states is limited
Summary
Excited-state transitions in atomic systems are finding an increasing range of applications including quantum information [1], optical filters [2], electric field sensing [3,4,5], and quantum optics [6,7]. They are used for state lifetime measurements [8], frequency up-conversion [9], the search for new stable frequency references [10,11] and multiphoton laser cooling [12]. The model yields good qualitative agreement, which allows us to interpret features that we observe in the frequency domain
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
