Hyperfine Studies of Lithium using Saturated Absorption Spectroscopy Tory Carr Advisor: Dr. Alex Cronin

Hyperfine Structure of 6 Li & 7 Li

Normal Setup

Theoretical Limit

Problem Doppler Broadening “smears out” resolution Doppler Broadening “smears out” resolution

Normal Setup Theory at 375 C

Saturated Absorption Setup

New Spectrum

Saturated Absorption Signal Data collected at 375 C

Light as seen from the atoms Pump beam probe beam v0v0

Population Difference

Scan in frequency +dv -dv 0

Theoretical Model

Isotope/ Transition Difference

Variation with Buffer Gas Pressure

Temperature variation

Temperature variation- diff sig

Maximum in difference signal Maximum Signal When:

Conclusion Limiting Factors in resolution Limiting Factors in resolution –Other broadening mechanisms –Residual Doppler broadening Improvements to setup Improvements to setup –Improved alignment –Reduce laser linewidth Further experiments Further experiments –Effects of polarization –Magnetic field effects