Franck–Condon factors and radiative lifetime of the A2Π1/2–X2Σ+ transition of ytterbium monofluoride, YbF

Xiujuan Zhuang; Anh Le; Timothy C. 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

doi:10.1039/C1CP21585J

Franck–Condon factors and radiative lifetime of the A²Π₁_/2–X²Σ⁺ transition of ytterbium monofluoride, YbF

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

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^a Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Arizona State University, Tempe, USA
E-mail: tsteimle@ASU.edu
Tel: (480) 965-3265

^b Centre for Cold Matter, Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College London, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK
E-mail: m.tarbutt@imperial.ac.uk

Abstract

The fluorescence spectrum resulting from laser excitation of the A²Π₁_/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 A²Π₁_/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.

This article is part of the themed collection: Physics and chemistry of cold molecules

Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics

Franck–Condon factors and radiative lifetime of the A²Π₁_/2–X²Σ⁺ transition of ytterbium monofluoride, YbF

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Franck–Condon factors and radiative lifetime of the A²Π₁_/2–X²Σ⁺ transition of ytterbium monofluoride, YbF

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