Angular Momentum Coupling and Rabi Frequencies for Simple Atomic Transitions

B. E. King

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arXiv · 0804.4528

Angular Momentum Coupling and Rabi Frequencies for Simple Atomic Transitions

B. E. King

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Abstract

The Rabi frequency (coupling strength) of an electric-dipole transition is an important experimental parameter in laser-cooling and other atomic physics experiments. Though the relationship between Rabi frequency and atomic wavefunctions and/or atomic lifetimes is discussed in many references, there is a need for a concise, self-contained, accessible introduction to such calculations suitable for use by the typical student of laser cooling (experimental or theoretical). In this paper, I outline calculations of the Rabi frequencies for atoms with sub-structure due to orbital, spin and nuclear angular momentum. I emphasize the physical meaning of the calculations.

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B. E. King. 2008-04-29. Angular Momentum Coupling and Rabi Frequencies for Simple Atomic Transitions. https://arxiv.org/abs/0804.4528

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