The ratio of scalar to tensor transition polarizabilities (α/Β) for the cesium ${6\mathrm{S}}_{1\mathrm{/}2}$F=3 to ${7\mathrm{S}}_{1\mathrm{/}2}$F′=3 transition has been measured using a spin-polarized atomic beam and an interference technique. We use an electric- and magnetic-field configuration where the Stark-induced electric dipole transition amplitudes arising from the scalar and tensor polarizabilities interfere, giving rise to large changes in the 6S-7S transition rate. The measured ratio is α/Β=-9.905±0.011. This result represents a tenfold improvement in precision, and agrees well with previous measurements and calculations. The ratio α/Β is of critical importance for cesium atomic parity violation experiments.

• Received 20 September 1996

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.55.1007