Method for quantum-limited detection of narrow-linewidth transitions in cold atomic ensembles
Abstract
A scheme is presented that allows quantum-noise-limited, background-free signal detection in high-resolution spectroscopy, atom-light interferometers, and optical clocks. The method combines the electron-shelving technique with a removal of all absorbers not participating in the excitation scheme. Application to the 1S0-3P1 transition of Ca demonstrated a more than fourfold improvement of the signal-to-noise ratio with respect to the previous photon shot-noise limit.
- Publication:
-
Physical Review A
- Pub Date:
- December 1998
- DOI:
- 10.1103/PhysRevA.58.R4275
- Bibcode:
- 1998PhRvA..58.4275K
- Keywords:
-
- 39.30.+w;
- 39.20.+q;
- 42.50.Vk;
- 03.75.Dg;
- Spectroscopic techniques;
- Atom interferometry techniques;
- Mechanical effects of light on atoms molecules electrons and ions;
- Atom and neutron interferometry