Autler-townes splitting in molecular lithium: Prospects for all-optical alignment of nonpolar molecules

Jianbing Qi, Guenadiy Lazarov, Xuejun Wang, Li Li, Lorenzo M. Narducci, A. Marjatta Lyyra, Frank C. Spano

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

108 Scopus citations

Abstract

We demonstrate Autler-Townes (AT) splitting in molecular lithium using cw triple resonance spectroscopy. The pump and tunable probe lasers create sub-Doppler double resonance excitation of an upper rovibrational level. The line shape is split in the presence of a third, coupling laser. The AT line shape consists of the superposition of several narrower twin peaks, one for each |MJ|. The splitting is proportional to |MJ| enabling resolution of the individual MJ peaks. Thus, this all-optical technique can be used to align nonpolar molecules. The line shapes are in excellent agreement with theory.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)288-291
Number of pages4
JournalPhysical review letters
Volume83
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 1999

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Physics and Astronomy

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