Doppler-free two-photon transitions to Rydberg levels: convenient, useful, and precise reference wavelengths for dye lasers

Abstract

We used a tunable cw dye laser to observe Doppler-free two-photon transitions to alkali-atom Rydberg levels. Real-time signals were obtained in an ionization cell of appropriate construction. The two-photon transition wavelengths to rubidium s levels were measured up to n = 50 with better than 1 x 10(-7) absolute accuracy and can be represented to within the experimental precision by a simple function of the principal quantum number, Other related transitions and future possibilities are considered.