Measurement of field-free molecular alignment by balanced weak field polarization technique

We demonstrate the measurement of field-free molecular alignment of air can be realized by combining the weak field polarization technique (WFPT) with a balanced detection system. The measured signal is proportional to the alignment parameter. Periodic revival structures of the transient alignment and permanent alignment between revivals can be detected clearly by a single measurement with high sensitivity. Fourier transform spectrum of the measured signal agrees well with the calculation result and provides information of the populations of different J states in the rotational wave packet.