Franck-Condon factors and radiative lifetime of the A2Π 1/2-X2Σ+ transition of ytterbium monofluoride, YbF

Xiujuan Zhuang, Anh Le, Timothy Steimle, N. E. Bulleid, I. J. Smallman, R. J. Hendricks, S. M. Skoff, J. J. Hudson, B. E. Sauer, E. A. Hinds, M. R. Tarbutt

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

29 Scopus citations

Abstract

The fluorescence spectrum resulting from laser excitation of the A 2Π1/2 ← X2Σ+ (0,0) band of ytterbium monofluoride, YbF, has been recorded and analyzed to determine the Franck-Condon factors. The measured values are compared with those predicted from Rydberg-Klein-Rees (RKR) potential energy curves. From the fluorescence decay curve the radiative lifetime of the A2Π 1/2 state is measured to be 28 ± 2 ns, and the corresponding transition dipole moment is 4.39 ± 0.16 D. The implications for laser cooling YbF are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)19013-19017
Number of pages5
JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics
Volume13
Issue number42
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 14 2011

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Physics and Astronomy
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry

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