Stark shift measurement of the (6s)2 1S0 to (6s6p)3P1 ytterbium transition

Abstract

The Stark shift of the (6s)2 1S0 to (6s6p)3P1 transition in ytterbium was measured using a laser to excite an atomic beam first in a uniform electric field and subsequently in a field-free region. The laser frequency was scanned across the transition while fluorescence produced by the radiative decay of the excited state was detected. The frequency scan was calibrated using isotope and hyperfine splittings that have been measured previously. The Stark shift rate was found to be -15.419+or-0.048 kHz kV-2 cm-2 and the tensor polarizability of the (6s6p)3P1 state was determined to be alpha2=5.81+or-0.13 kHz kV-2 cm-2.