We have made a quantitative study of quantum electrodynamic corrections to the energy of some simple atoms near a metallic surface. (i) The two-level atom provides a basic framework within which we discuss the van der Waals, Casimir, and resonant radiative level shifts. In this discussion we show that the level shifts of an excited atom are substantially different from those of a classical dipole antenna. (ii) We calculate the possible cavity QED corrections to the n = 2 and n = 1 hydrogen Lamb-shift measurements and obtain results that disagree with the published literature. (iii) We find a general expression for the shifts of the lowest S and P levels of alkali-metal atoms near a conducting surface. These might be studied in the laboratory as a test of cavity QED.
External-cavity frequency-stabilization of visible and infrared semiconductor lasers for high resolution spectroscopy
M.G. Boshier,
D. Berkeland,
E.A. Hinds,
Vahid Sandoghdar
We have shown that external cavity stabilization can be a straightforward and powerful technique for converting diode lasers of poor spectral quality into useful tools for high precision laser spectroscopy. The method requires an anti-reflection coating on one facet of the diode laser but, contrary to popular belief, this is not difficult and does not require any specialized equipment. We describe a coating procedure which can be used with standard commercial diode lasers. We have demonstrated the external cavity method using diodes at a variety of visible and infrared wavelengths. Details are given for a visible laser centered at 670 nm.
Kontakt
Abteilung Nanooptik Prof. Vahid Sandoghdar
Max-Planck-Institut für die Physik des Lichts Staudtstr. 2 91058 Erlangen
