Precision microwave measurement of the 2(3)P(1)-2(3)P(0) interval in atomic helium: A determination of the fine-structure constant - art. no. 173002

Authors
George, MC Lombardi, LD Hessels, EA
Citation
Mc. George et al., Precision microwave measurement of the 2(3)P(1)-2(3)P(0) interval in atomic helium: A determination of the fine-structure constant - art. no. 173002, PHYS REV L, 8717(17), 2001, pp. 3002
Citations number
24
Categorie Soggetti
Physics
Journal title
PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS
ISSN journal
00319007 → ACNP
Volume
8717
Issue
17
Year of publication
2001
Database
ISI
SICI code
0031-9007(20011022)8717:17<3002:PMMOT2>2.0.ZU;2-B
Abstract
The 2(3)P(1)-to-2(3)P(0) 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 -mum diode laser. The 2(3)P(1)-to-P-23(0) transition is driven by 29.6-GHz microwaves in a rectangular waveguide cavity. Our result of 29616950.9 +/- 0.9 kHz is the most precise measurement of helium 2(3)P fine structure. Whe n compared to precise theory for this interval, this measurement leads to a determination of the fine-structure constant of 1/137.035 986 4(31).