High-resolution laser spectroscopy in Sm I by tunable diode laser

High-resolution laser spectroscopy in Sm I has been performed by using a tu nable diode laser together with a highly collimated atomic beam. Hyperfine structures and isotope shifts of Sm isotopes have been measured for four tr ansitions in the wavelength region of 636-687 nm; the largest isotope shift has been observed. Hyperfine constants A and B of Sm-147 and Sm-149 have b een determined for six levels. By using the purest s(2) - sp transition wit h the largest isotope shift, nuclear parameters lambda, changes in mean-squ are nuclear charge radii delta[r(2)], and nuclear deformation parameters de lta[beta(2)] have been derived and discussed.