Journal of Physics B Atomic and Molecular Physics
Quantum beats in superradiance in sodium vapours
J Marek, M. Ryschka
Abstract
Intensity modulations have been observed in the superradiant signals on the 4 2 P 1/2 -4 2 S 1/2 transitions obtained by pulsed dye laser beam excitation of the 4 2 P 1/2 level in Na vapour. The modulations were interpreted as beats among the frequencies of the electric dipole transitions resulting from the different HFS levels. The HFS splitting both of the upper and the lower levels must be taken into consideration in explaining the observed signals. Preliminary results of the study are reported, in particular the characteristics of the time development and polarisation of the superradiance.