Autler-Townes splitting in two-color photoassociation of 6Li

Abstract

We report on high-resolution two-color photoassociation spectroscopy in the triplet system of magneto-optically trapped 6Li. The absolute transition frequencies have been measured. Strong optical coupling of the bound molecular states has been observed as Autler-Townes splitting in the photoassociation signal. The spontaneous bound-bound transition rate is determined and the molecule formation rate is estimated. The observed lineshapes are in good agreement with the theoretical model.

5 pages, 4 figures, accepted for publication in Phys. Rev. A (Rapid Communication)