Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics Seminar

We have demonstrated recently [Phys. Rev. Lett. 107, 163601, (2011)] in a proof-of-concept experiment that the Autler-Townes (AC Stark) effect can be used to control quantum state spin character by ‘tuning’ the spin-orbit interaction mixing coefficients. Such quantum control of the spin-orbit interaction can be used to enhance the rate of population transfer to otherwise “dark” states either by increasing the mixing between existing perturbed pairs of levels or by creating mixed levels out of previously unmixed ones. States with naturally mixed character have been used as gateway levels for access to energy levels with different spin character than the ground state. Such perturbed levels have also been used as intermediate levels in the transfer of cold alkali molecules formed at long range in the triplet a³Σ⁺ ground state to deeply bound levels of the singlet X¹Σ⁺ ground state. By enhancing the mixing, this process can be made more effective. Switching the population completely from a singlet to a triplet state or vice versa is the ultimate goal.