title: Franck-Condon factors and radiative lifetime of the A2Π(1/2)-X2Σ+ transition of ytterbium monofluoride, YbF.
abstract: The fluorescence spectrum resulting from laser excitation of the A(2)Π(1/2)←X(2)Σ(+) (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 A(2)Π(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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287-1604, USA.
authors.forename: Xiujuan
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Zhuang
authors.forename: Anh
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Le
authors.forename: Timothy C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Steimle
authors.forename: N E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Bulleid
authors.forename: I J
authors.initials: IJ
authors.lastname: Smallman
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Hendricks
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Skoff
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Hudson
authors.forename: B E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Sauer
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Hinds
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Tarbutt