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Modulation transfer spectroscopy of 7Li D1 line
We present the first implementation of modulation transfer spectroscopy (MTS) on the D1 line of 7 Li, carried
out in a compact heat-pipe vapor cell with cold windows. By varying the pump and probe intensities and
polarization configurations, we systematically map the MTS error-signal amplitude, effective linewidth, and
slope for the ground-state crossover resonance 𝐹 = 1 × 2 → 𝐹 ′ = 2. We observe Rabi-induced power broadening
and identify optimal conditions for laser frequency stabilization via tightly focused beams with total power
below 1 mW. The lin⟂lin polarization configuration yields a sharp, symmetric, high-contrast error signal with
a maximal slope. Our findings establish the MTS spectrum of the 7 Li D1 line transitions as a reliable frequency
reference for quantum technology and ultracold atom experiments, particularly in scenarios where frequency
stabilization must be achieved with low laser optical power.