Quantum Interference and Subnatural Linewidths in Laser Spectroscopy

A method to obtain subnatural resolution in laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy by phase switching is described. The subnatural linewidth is obtained by extracting a coherent transient response induced by the switching of the laser. The linewidth in this type of spectroscopy is determined by the time interval between the switching and observation, instead of the spontaneous lifetime. The result is compared with the experiment on the Na ${D}_{1}$ line.A method to obtain subnatural resolution in laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy by phase switching is described. The subnatural linewidth is obtained by extracting a coherent transient response induced by the switching of the laser. The linewidth in this type of spectroscopy is determined by the time interval between the switching and observation, instead of the spontaneous lifetime. The result is compared with the experiment on the Na ${D}_{1}$ line.

Physical Review AOct 1, 198315 citations

Quantum coherence and interference in optics and laser spectroscopy

Mikhail D. Lukin

Oct 1, 19981 citation

{D}_{1}

line.