Measurement of weak optical transition moments through two-pathway coherent control

We present a full description of the (omega, 2 omega) two-pathway coherent control interference technique for measurement of weak, highly forbidden optical transitions. We have recently applied this technique to the measurement of the magnetic dipole transition moment M-1 of the 6s S-2(1/2) -> 7s S-2(1/2) transition in atomic cesium. We also demonstrate detailed methods by which this technique may be used for measurement of the electroweak-induced parity nonconserving amplitude in atomic cesium. The principal benefits of this technique include reduced systematic errors related to field reversals often encountered in related measurements, reduced interference from adjacent, noninterfering transitions, and the absence of electric quadrupole transitions. We present a critical evaluation of the effects induced by stray fields and other systematic effects.