Absolute frequencies of the {sup 6,7}Li 2S {sup 2}S{sub 1/2}{yields}3S {sup 2}S{sub 1/2} transitions

The measurement of the absolute frequencies of the 2S{yields}3S of atomic lithium is reported. To reduce systematic effects, we employed a frequency-comb-stabilized excitation laser, a weakly collimated atomic beam, and the cascading 2P{yields}2S 670 nm fluorescence as the signal. The transition frequencies, including two isotopes ({sup 6,7}Li), were measured to an accuracy of < 330 kHz. In comparison with the previous GSI Group experiment, the frequency of the 2S{sub 1/2}{yields}3S{sub 1/2} transition of {sup 7}Li is 815 618 181.45(9) MHz, which is improved by a factor of 2. The resultant hyperfine constants of the 3S state and the deduced difference of the nuclear charge radii {delta} from the isotope shift are in good agreement with previous results. Since a more straightforward methodology is adopted, our measurement is less model dependent and serves as an independent investigation of the reported transitions.