Detection of the Stark Induced One-Photon M1 Rb 5S - 6S Transition

Using a laser induced fluorescence spectroscopy scheme with a collimated Rb atomic beam, we have detected and measured the Stark (dc electric field) induced Rb 5S - 6S transition, in both isotopes, with a one-photon M1 excitation at about 497 nm. We find as expected that the transition intensity goes as electric field squared. We are making progress to measure for the first time the atomic scalar and vector polarizabilities α and β of the Rb 6S state, and compare these to theoretical calculations.