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

Physics Today

Two-photon absorption yields Doppler-free spectroscopy

Gloria B. Lubkin

Published Jul 1, 1974• 1 citation
Publisher

Abstract

In one of those events so typical of research, three groups have independently and almost simultaneously demonstrated two-photon absorption in sodium vapor without blurring from Doppler broadening. The technique appears to open up a new way of achieving high-resolution spectroscopy with tunable lasers. And it can be applied, for example, to induce photochemical reactions selectively, to separate isotopes, or to provide more precise values for the Rydberg constant and Lamb shifts.

DOI
10.1063/1.3128688

Related papers

Three-Photon Doppler-Free Spectroscopy: Experimental Evidence

G. Grynberg, F. Biraben, M. Bassini +1 more

We report here the first experimental demonstration of Doppler-free three-photon spectroscopy. The Doppler broadening is eliminated by insuring that the sum of the momenta of the three photons simultaneously exchanged between the atom and the laser beams is equal to 0. This is accomplished by making a proper choice of the angles between the three exciting beams. The observation has been made on the sodium $3{S}_{\frac{1}{2}}\ensuremath{-}3{P}_{\frac{1}{2}}$ transition with absorption of two photons and induced emission of one.

Physical Review Letters•Aug 2, 1976•61 citations

Observation of Two-Photon Absorption without Doppler Broadening on the 3S−5S Transition in Sodium Vapor

M. D. Levenson, N. Bloembergen

The $3S\ensuremath{-}5S$ transition of Na atoms is induced by absorption of two photons, one each from two circularly polarized beams traveling in opposite directions through the vapor. The beams are derived from a tunable, narrow-band pulsed dye laser. Doppler broadening is absent and the hyperfine structure is resolved. The hyperfine interaction constant ${A}_{5S}$ in the $5S$ state of the ${\mathrm{Na}}^{23}$ atom is determined to be 101\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}15 MHz.

Physical Review Letters•Mar 25, 1974•285 citations

Doppler-free many-photon spectroscopy

Bernard Cagnac

A description is given of the apparatus which represents realization of the well-known principle of cancellation of the Doppler effect in two-photon transitions. A brief review is given of the applications of the Doppler-free two-photon spectroscopy in the measurements of the fine and hyperfme structure of highly excited states, isotopic shifts, etc. Collisional broadening and spectral shift in sodium vapor mixed with various buffer gases is considered. A detailed discussion is given of the application of the Doppler-free two-photon spectroscopy to studies of transient optical processes. The method is extended to the case of many-photon transitions. A description is given of the apparatus suitable for the observation of Doppler-free three-photon transitions. Advantages and shortcomings of the new and existing methods are discussed.

Soviet Journal of Quantum Electronics•Aug 31, 1978•0 citations

Doppler-free multiphotonic spectroscopy

G. Grynberg, Bernard Cagnac

The review describes atomic transitions where two or more photons are simultaneously absorbed by an atom or a molecule (without any intermediate resonant level). The authors show theoretically and experimentally the possibilities of these transitions for numerous high-resolution spectroscopic studies. The Doppler broadening is suppressed in two-photon transitions if the atoms are irradiated by two laser waves travelling in opposite directions, because the Doppler shift in one wave cancels that in the other. A generalization is made for multiphotonic transitions. A typical experimental set-up with a CW dye laser is described in detail, but the possibilities of other light sources are also discussed.

Reports on Progress in Physics•Jul 1, 1977•201 citations

Direct Observation of Atomic Energy Level Shifts in Two-Photon Absorption

P. F. Liao, John E. Bjorkholm

We report direct observation of optically induced shifts of atomic energy levels in sodium vapor that occur in two-photon absorption. These shifts must be considered in high-resolution two-photon spectroscopy. Two cw dye laser beams of different frequencies and propagating in opposite directions are utilized to obtain high-resolution spectra. The intensity and frequency dependence of the level shifts are examined.

Physical Review Letters•Jan 6, 1975•174 citations

Broadening and Shift of High Rydberg States Measured by Doppler- Free Two-Photon Spectroscopy

B. P. Stoiaheff, Douglas C. Thompson, E. Weinberger

Broadening and Shift of High Rydberg States Measured by Doppler- Free Two-Photon Spectroscopy was published in [Vol. 1] Proceedings. Fifth International Conference Berlin (West), July 7–11, 1980 on page 1071.

De Gruyter eBooks•Dec 31, 1981•0 citations
In one of those events so typical of research, three groups have independently and almost simultaneously demonstrated two-photon absorption in sodium vapor without blurring from Doppler broadening. The technique appears to open up a new way of achieving high-resolution spectroscopy with tunable lasers. And it can be applied, for example, to induce photochemical reactions selectively, to separate isotopes, or to provide more precise values for the Rydberg constant and Lamb shifts.
We report here the first experimental demonstration of Doppler-free three-photon spectroscopy. The Doppler broadening is eliminated by insuring that the sum of the momenta of the three photons simultaneously exchanged between the atom and the laser beams is equal to 0. This is accomplished by making a proper choice of the angles between the three exciting beams. The observation has been made on the sodium $3{S}_{\frac{1}{2}}\ensuremath{-}3{P}_{\frac{1}{2}}$ transition with absorption of two photons and induced emission of one.
The $3S\ensuremath{-}5S$ transition of Na atoms is induced by absorption of two photons, one each from two circularly polarized beams traveling in opposite directions through the vapor. The beams are derived from a tunable, narrow-band pulsed dye laser. Doppler broadening is absent and the hyperfine structure is resolved. The hyperfine interaction constant A5S{A}_{5S}A5S​ in the 5S5S5S state of the Na23{\mathrm{Na}}^{23}Na23 atom is determined to be 101\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}15 MHz.
A description is given of the apparatus which represents realization of the well-known principle of cancellation of the Doppler effect in two-photon transitions. A brief review is given of the applications of the Doppler-free two-photon spectroscopy in the measurements of the fine and hyperfme structure of highly excited states, isotopic shifts, etc. Collisional broadening and spectral shift in sodium vapor mixed with various buffer gases is considered. A detailed discussion is given of the application of the Doppler-free two-photon spectroscopy to studies of transient optical processes. The method is extended to the case of many-photon transitions. A description is given of the apparatus suitable for the observation of Doppler-free three-photon transitions. Advantages and shortcomings of the new and existing methods are discussed.
The review describes atomic transitions where two or more photons are simultaneously absorbed by an atom or a molecule (without any intermediate resonant level). The authors show theoretically and experimentally the possibilities of these transitions for numerous high-resolution spectroscopic studies. The Doppler broadening is suppressed in two-photon transitions if the atoms are irradiated by two laser waves travelling in opposite directions, because the Doppler shift in one wave cancels that in the other. A generalization is made for multiphotonic transitions. A typical experimental set-up with a CW dye laser is described in detail, but the possibilities of other light sources are also discussed.