DOPPLER-FREE SPECTROSCOPY AND COLLISIONAL STUDIES WITH TUNABLE DIODE-LASERS OF LITHIUM ISOTOPES IN A HEAT-PIPE OVEN

The spectra of the 2s - 2p lithium transitions were studied in an atom ic-lithium vapor-argon-gas mixture by a Doppler-free saturation amplit ude modulation spectroscopy technique that employs a tunable diode las er. Lamb-dip and crossover signals were highly resolved. The experimen tal Doppler-free spectra were used in conjunction with a density matri x method to yield parameters of spectroscopic interest. These paramete rs include line broadening and relaxation rates that are due to collis ions between isotopic species and argon atoms. In addition, Doppler-li mited spectra were used to determine density, concentration, and tempe rature of the lithium isotopes. (C) 1998 Optical Society of America.