Two-step polarization-labeling spectroscopy of diatomic molecules is described. Formulas for relative transition intensities are derived, and their use in determining angular momenta of molecular states is discussed. The experimental apparatus and procedure used to identify twenty-four new 'S,+, 'Il, , and '3, states in Na, are deScribed. The states are identified as low-lying members, n = 3 to 14, of several molecular Rydberg series, and the dependence of their properties on principal quantum numbers is shown. These results are extrapolated to yield constants for the ground state of Na, +.

We have measured the temperature of laser-cooled Rb atoms in optical molasses as a function of laser intensity and detuning. For both @ ' R b and s7Rb, cooled on the F = 3 + F ' = 4 and F = 2 + F ' = 3 transitions, respectively, the temperatures are proportional to the ratio of laser power and detuning for a wide range of these parameters. We observe a small but significant difference between the two isotopes. We also show the results of three-dimensional semi-classical numerical calculations. Our results favor a model which includes atomic localization in optical standing waves.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract