RABI OSCILLATION OF AN YTTERBIUM ATOM PUMPED BY A PULSED SINGLE-MODE LASER

We have measured the resonance line profile and the Rabi oscillation i n the 6s(2) S-1(0) - 6s6p P-3(1) transition of an ytterbium atom pumpe d by a pulsed, single mode laser. By fitting the Rabi oscillation curv e with a phase diffusion model, we could obtain a more accurate value of the oscillator strength of the transition. We showed that the phase diffusing field and the Gaussian temporal shape of a single mode lase r dampens the Rabi oscillation curve. They also shift the peak positio ns of the curve.