Polarization spectroscopy of an excited state transition in Rubidium [dataset]

We investigate polarization spectroscopy of an excited state transition in room-temperature rubidium vapor. By applying a circularly polarized coupling beam, resonant with the 5²S ¹/₂ → 5²P ³/₂ transition, we induce anisotropy in the atomic medium that is then probed by scanning a probe beam across the 5²P ³/₂ → 6²S ¹/₂ transition. By performing polarimetry on the probe beam, a dispersive spectral feature is observed. We characterize the excited-state polarization spectrum as a function of coupling intensity for both isotopes and find that at high intensities, Autler-Townes splitting results in a sub-feature, which theoretical modelling shows is enhanced by Doppler averaging. This spectroscopic technique produces a narrow dispersive signal which is ideal for laser frequency stabilization to excited-state transitions.