Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Optics Letters

Magnetic-field quantum beats in two-photon free-induction decay

Nicholas P. Economou, P. F. Liao

Published Nov 1, 1978• 7 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Magnetic-field quantum beats are observed in Doppler-free two-photon free-induction decay. The 3S-4D transition in atomic sodium vapor is studied with fields up to 300 G. A strong dependence on the polarization of the excitation pulses is observed.
DOI
10.1364/ol.3.000172

Related papers

Observation of Two-Photon Optical Free-Induction Decay in Atomic Sodium Vapor

P. F. Liao, John E. Bjorkholm, J. P. Gordon

We have used the Stark-switching technique to observe two-photon optical free-induction decay in the visible using sodium vapor. Transients were observed with use of both a resonant and a nonresonant intermediate state for the two-photon transition.

Physical Review Letters•Jul 4, 1977•40 citations

Optical free-induction-decay quantum beats in multilevel systems

A. I. Alekseev, O. V. Zhemerdeev

A theory of optical free-induction decay (FID) induced by two exciting light pulses in three-level atomic systems subjected to a constant magnetic field is presented. The theory takes into account the hyperfine interaction, the level degeneracy, and the dependence of the FID signal on the polarizations of the exciting pulses. An analysis of the FID signal in a magnetic field suggests new ways to measure the g factors of the levels, the hyperfine structure constants, and the relaxation rates. The results obtained are extended to include the echelon excitation of the multilevel system by a definite set of light pulses with specially chosen frequencies and polarizations.

Journal of the Optical Society of America B•Jan 1, 1987•2 citations

Zeeman Effect in the Two-Photon 3S−5S Transition in Sodium Vapor

N. Bloembergen, M. D. Levenson, M. M. Salour

The technique of two-photon absorption without Doppler broadening has made possible the observation of the Zeeman splitting of a transition between two $^{2}S$ states. Selection rules are discussed. The observed pattern of hyperfine components is narrower in very high fields than in zero field, in agreement with the theory.

Physical Review Letters•Apr 22, 1974•67 citations

Observation of four-wave mixing involving two quadrupole transitions in Na vapor

R. L. Panock, Richard R. Freeman, John E. Bjorkholm

We have observed a four-wave mixing process in sodium vapor in which two of the four waves are resonantly enhanced by electric quadrupole transitions. The atom is pumped via a quadrupole transition from the 3s to the 4d state with a single photon at 2894 Å. Intense coherent emission at 3427 Å corresponding to the 3d-3s transition can be observed exiting the Na cell only in the direction parallel to the input beam. Also observed coming from the cell is intense coherent light at 2.34 µm corresponding to the 4d-4s transition in Na.

Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics•Jan 1, 1981•0 citations

Two-Photon Optical Free-Induction Decay in Atomic Sodium Vapor

P. F. Liao, John E. Bjorkholm, J. P. Gordon

Springer series in optical sciences/SPringer series in optical sciences•Jan 1, 1977•0 citations

Observation of sodium D-line quantum beat in laser-induced fluorescence using stepwise fs excitation

Gautier Vilmart, Michael S. Scherman, Anais Chiabaut +1 more

levels of atomic sodium using ultrashort laser pulses in a stepwise excitation scheme. Two broadband femtosecond laser pulses are used to excite the 6S level from the 3S ground level in sodium vapor. The first one is simultaneously resonant with the D1 and D2 lines of the 3S→3P transition, and the second one with the 3P→6S transition. The delay between the two pulses is scanned in order to probe the dephasing between the two excited intermediate levels. Quantum beating is observed by monitoring the fluorescence signals at 330 nm and 515 nm, namely transition 4P→3S and 6S→3P, respectively. Signals are compared to a semi-classical model that reproduces the oscillations with a very good agreement.

Optics Letters•Jan 29, 2025•0 citations
A theory of optical free-induction decay (FID) induced by two exciting light pulses in three-level atomic systems subjected to a constant magnetic field is presented. The theory takes into account the hyperfine interaction, the level degeneracy, and the dependence of the FID signal on the polarizations of the exciting pulses. An analysis of the FID signal in a magnetic field suggests new ways to measure the g factors of the levels, the hyperfine structure constants, and the relaxation rates. The results obtained are extended to include the echelon excitation of the multilevel system by a definite set of light pulses with specially chosen frequencies and polarizations.
The technique of two-photon absorption without Doppler broadening has made possible the observation of the Zeeman splitting of a transition between two 2S^{2}S2S states. Selection rules are discussed. The observed pattern of hyperfine components is narrower in very high fields than in zero field, in agreement with the theory.
We have observed a four-wave mixing process in sodium vapor in which two of the four waves are resonantly enhanced by electric quadrupole transitions. The atom is pumped via a quadrupole transition from the 3s to the 4d state with a single photon at 2894 Å. Intense coherent emission at 3427 Å corresponding to the 3d-3s transition can be observed exiting the Na cell only in the direction parallel to the input beam. Also observed coming from the cell is intense coherent light at 2.34 µm corresponding to the 4d-4s transition in Na.
levels of atomic sodium using ultrashort laser pulses in a stepwise excitation scheme. Two broadband femtosecond laser pulses are used to excite the 6S level from the 3S ground level in sodium vapor. The first one is simultaneously resonant with the D1 and D2 lines of the 3S→3P transition, and the second one with the 3P→6S transition. The delay between the two pulses is scanned in order to probe the dephasing between the two excited intermediate levels. Quantum beating is observed by monitoring the fluorescence signals at 330 nm and 515 nm, namely transition 4P→3S and 6S→3P, respectively. Signals are compared to a semi-classical model that reproduces the oscillations with a very good agreement.