LINE-SHAPES OF CASCADE 2-PHOTON TRANSITIONS IN A CESIUM MAGNETOOPTIC TRAP

We present a study of a two-photon double-resonance transition in cold cesium atoms in a magneto-optic trap. A closed five-level density mat rix model of the system is developed to characterize the double-resona nce Autler-Townes-split absorption line shape. Comparing this model wi th experimental spectra, we gain insight into the dominant process inv olved in trapping atoms, in particular, the importance of the interfer ence of the six trapping laser beams. This system is used to probe tra nsient effects in the trap as well as collective effects of the trappe d atom cloud resulting from the intentional misalignment of the trappi ng beams.