Precision microwave measurement of the 2(3)P(1)-2(3)P(2) interval in atomic helium

Authors
Storry, CH George, MC Hessels, EA
Citation
Ch. Storry et al., Precision microwave measurement of the 2(3)P(1)-2(3)P(2) interval in atomic helium, PHYS REV L, 84(15), 2000, pp. 3274-3277
Citations number
20
Categorie Soggetti
Physics
Journal title
PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS
ISSN journal
00319007 → ACNP
Volume
84
Issue
15
Year of publication
2000
Pages
3274 - 3277
Database
ISI
SICI code
0031-9007(20000410)84:15<3274:PMMOT2>2.0.ZU;2-4
Abstract
The 2(3)P(1)-to-2(3)P(2) interval in atomic helium is measured using a ther mal beam of metastable helium atoms excited to the 2(3)P State using a 1.08 -mu m diode laser. The 2(3)P(1)-to-2(3)P(2) transition is driven by 2.29-GH z microwaves in a coaxial transmission line. Our result of 2291 174.0 +/- 1 .4 kHz is the mast precise measurement of helium 2(3)P line structure. This measurement plays a key role in obtaining a new value for the fine-structu re constant.