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arXiv · 2010.12124

Fourier transform detection of weak optical transitions with cyclic routines

Jesse S. Schelfhout·Lilani D. Toms-Hardman·John J. McFerran
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Abstract

We demonstrate a means of detecting weak optical transitions in cold atoms that undergo cyclic routines with high sensitivity. The gain in sensitivity is made by probing atoms on alternate cycles leading to a regular modulation of the ground state atom population when at the resonance frequency. The atomic transition is identified by conducting a fast Fourier transform via algorithm or instrument. We find an enhancement of detection sensitivity compared to more conventional scanning methods of $\sim 20$ for the same sampling time, and can detect clock lines with fewer than $10^3$ atoms in a magneto-optical trap. We apply the method to the $(6s^{2})$ $ ^{1}S_{0} - (6s6p)$ $^{3}P_{0}$ clock transition in $^{171}$Yb and $^{173}$Yb. The ac-Stark shift of this line in $^{171}$Yb is measured to be 0.19(3) kHz$\cdot$W$^{-1}\cdot$m$^2$ at 556 nm.

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Jesse S. Schelfhout, Lilani D. Toms-Hardman, John J. McFerran. 2020-10-23. Fourier transform detection of weak optical transitions with cyclic routines. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0034217

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