Abstract: The splitting of energy levels in the rubidium atom is a result of the relativistic and magnetic interactions related to angular momenta in the atom. As a result of these interactions, the 5p energy level is split into the 5p1/2 and the 5p3/2 sublevels. This is known as the fine structure of the atom. Further splitting of the 5s1/2 and the 5p1/2, known as the hyperfine structure, also results. The splitting of these levels can be visualized using an oscilloscope. Both the absorption and emission spectra can be generated using a Lamb Dip apparatus equipped with a diode laser. Upon the investigation of this splitting, the frequency difference between each level in the energy level diagram can be calculated along with the widths of the Doppler broadened peaks shown on the spectra.
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