Resonance Broadening of Homogenous Caesium Vapor in Absorption

Author: Gregory, Chris

Year: 1941

Degree: Dissertation (Ph.D.)

Advisor: Bowen, Ira Sprague

Committee Member: Unknown, Unknown

Option: Physics

DOI: 10.7907/6k4w-2906

Abstract

The resonance broadening of homogeneous Cs vapor in absorption was studied by means of the contour method. The intensities were obtained via the method of "astigmatic photometry" by utilizing the astigimatism of the Rowland grating. The pressure of the homogeneous absorbing vapor ranged from 10^-2 to 17.5 mm Hg. The half breadth varied rather linearly with the number of atoms per unit volume, with γ₁/N x 10⁷ = 1.45, γ₂/N x 10⁷ = .84 for the ²P_3/2 and ²P_1/2 components of the resonance lines respectively. The average value of the ratio of half breadths γ₁/γ₂ was found to be 1.8. The experimental half width γ is found to be about 11/2 times larger than that predicted by Professor Houston. Below pressures of 10 mm Hg the lines exhibited symmetrical broadening according to the "dispersion" formula. At higher pressures indications of a violet and red assymmetry are present for the ²P_3/2 and ²P_1/2 components respectively. A definite band on the red side of the ²P_3/2 and one on the violet side of the ²P_1/2 was observed.

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