Radio-Frequency Spectroscopy

Abstract

Whereas the resolution in optical investigations of free atoms is limited by different broadening mechanisms in the light source and the spectral equipment, resonance methods yield a linewidth which is limited essentially only by the Heisenberg uncertainty relation. For investigations of ground- and meta-stable states two methods, Optical Pumping (OP) and Atomic-Beam Magnetic Resonance (ABMR) can be utilized. In the second method, a spatial deflection of free atoms is used, while the first method is an optical resonance method. For studies of short-lived excited states two additional optical precision methods are available: Optical Double Resonance (ODR) and Level Crossing (LC) Spectroscopy. Resonance techniques can also be used for investigating liquids and solids. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) and Electron-Nuclear Double Resonance (ENDOR) will be discussed. As the radio-frequency techniques make use of magnetic resonance, a general description of this phenomenon will be given.KeywordsNuclear Magnetic ResonanceElectron Spin ResonanceGlobal Position SystemAtomic BeamResonance MethodThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.