Chinese Physics Letters
Experimental Observation of Constructive Quantum Interference via Hybrid Excitation in an Na 2 -Na System
Xihua Yang, Yongfang Li, Zhenrong Sun, Ding Liang-En, Zugeng Wang
Abstract
We report on an experimental observation of constructive quantum interference between two atomic transition pathways 3P 1/2 -5S (or 4D) and 3P 3/2 -5S (or 4D) via equal-frequency hybrid excitation and collision-aided radiative excitation in an Na 2 -Na system. Through the special excitation processes, constructive quantum interference is realized for a Λ-type quantum-beat configuration with a widely-spaced doublet (about 17 cm -1 ) in the excited sodium atom driven by one laser. The dependences of quantum interference on the argon buffer gas pressure and sample temperature are also examined.