Simplification of Spectra by Polarization Labeling

Abstract

Polarization labeling is a new method for studying excited states of molecules. Lightinduced anisotropy is used to label a molecular ground-state level, and all optical transitions which share this common lower level are detected. Polarization labeled spectra of ${\mathrm{Na}}_{2}$ were recorded using pulsed dye lasers. These spectra are easier to interpret than absorption spectra. Collision processes and perturbations of the $A$ state of ${\mathrm{Na}}_{2}$ were also observed.