(52) Diode-Laser Spectroscopy of Rubidium Gas

Optical spectroscopy, in its many theoretical forms and instrumental implementations, looks at the interactions of electromagnetic radiation with atomic transitions, molecular vibrations, and various other atomic phenomena.... [ view full abstract ]

Optical spectroscopy, in its many theoretical forms and instrumental implementations, looks at the interactions of electromagnetic radiation with atomic transitions, molecular vibrations, and various other atomic phenomena. Diode-laser spectroscopy is unique in its ability to collect high-resolution data beyond the scope of typical spectroscopic techniques. Diode-laser spectroscopy is a powerful technique that can take a single Doppler-broadened spectral line and resolve it into multiple hyperfine spectral lines. For this project, I will discuss the theory and application of diode laser spectroscopy, as well as present results of my measurements of the hyperfine energy transitions of gaseous rubidium atoms. In addition, I will also discuss other experiments that I have performed with this apparatus; in particular, I will describe the magneto-optical Faraday effect and its relation to the atomic absorption and dispersion of gaseous rubidium. I will also present preliminary results on probing the atomic absorption and dispersion of gaseous rubidium via interferometric means and relate them to my previous results.