A hollow cathode for doppler-free spectroscopy

Abstract

We report the design criteria and performance characteristics of a hollow cathode discharge tube developed especially for high-resolution Doppler-free laser spectroscopy. The cathode has a large bore diameter (2.7 cm) and operates at a relatively low pressure (0.5 Torr of Ar). Very narrow homogeneous linewidths of refractory element transitions have been observed using this device. It is simple to construct, is easily demountable, and requires a small amount of sample material.