Nonlinear magneto-optical effects in Ba vapor

Abstract

We report the first measurements of linear and nonlinear magneto-optical polarization rotation on an intercombination transition of Ba vapor (λ = 791.1 nm). We observe a maximum polarization rotation angle in Faraday configuration of 15 mrad, accompanied by suppression of absorption. A theoretical treatment of the nonlinear Faraday effect in the limit of a strong interacting light field is developed.

Coherent transmission of light through a cold atomic cloud

“…Theoretical studies have been performed by various groups to understand the MOR effects in atomic systems [37,148,149]. These effects have since been observed experimentally in hot atomic vapors [36][37][38]150], and in cold alkali-metal atoms [39][40][41][42]. Compared to the typical condensed matter systems, an atomic system is more sensitive to the magnetic field.…”

“…Due to the Zeeman shifts of the substates of 3 P 1 , the polarization undergoes a magneto-optical rotation (MOR) when the light is transmitted through the medium. This has been widely studied with hot [36][37][38] and cold atomic gases [39][40][41][42]. It has also been considered for possible application in the field of atomic magnetometry [43].…”