Abstract
We present a method for accurate determination of atomic transition matrix elements at the level. Measurements of the ac Stark (light) shift around “magic-zero” wavelengths, where the light shift vanishes, provide precise constraints on the matrix elements. We make the first measurement of the matrix elements in rubidium by measuring the light shift around the 421 and 423 nm zeros through diffraction of a condensate off a sequence of standing wave pulses. In conjunction with existing theoretical and experimental data, we find and for the and elements, respectively, an order of magnitude more accurate than the best theoretical values. This technique can provide needed, accurate matrix elements for many atoms, including those used in atomic clocks, tests of fundamental symmetries, and quantum information.
- Received 20 August 2012
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.109.243003
© 2012 American Physical Society