We demonstrate that laser cooling, combined with $V$-scheme optical double-resonance spectroscopy, provides a sensitive means to measure isotope shifts and hyperfine splittings. Our technique is illustrated using the 398.8-nm ${(6s}^2{)}^1{S}_0{-\left(6s6p\right)\mathrm{}}^1{P}_1$ and 555.6-nm ${(6s}^2{)}^1{S}_0{-\left(6s6p\right)\mathrm{}}^3{P}_1$ transitions in a neutral ytterbium atomic beam having natural isotopic composition. With a precision comparable to existing approaches, our unique method has enabled the most complete single-technique survey to date of the ${}^1{S}_0{-}^1{P}_1$ isotope shifts and hyperfine splittings.

• Received 15 August 2000

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.63.023402