Atomic population distribution measured by stimulated Raman spectroscopy with a single diode laser

Magnetic sub level population distributions of an optically pumped cesium beam have been measured with a fractional uncertainty of a few percents using stimulating Raman transitions induced by light from a single modulated diode laser. The injection current of a grating-stabilized diode laser was directly modulated at 4.6 GHz with an inexpensive tunable source of microwaves. This system reduces the cost and complexity of performing stimulated Raman spectroscopy, yet demonstrated high absolute accuracy. The accuracy was determined by a careful comparison of theoretical and measured line strengths.