Searching for alignment-to-orientation conversion in the ground state of atomic Cs with circularly polarized laser probe

Abstract

In this study we explored the possibilities for observing the angular momentum alignment-to-orientation conversion (AOC) in the ground state of various alkali metals: K, Rb, Cs. For theoretical analysis we used a model that is based on the Optical Bloch equations for the density matrix. In our model we took into account the interaction of the laser light with all hyperfine levels, which are mixed as the magnetic field increases. The radiation's coherence properties were also included. Finally, the results were averaged over the Doppler profile. Additionally we simulated signals where the ground- or the excited-state coherent processes were numerically switched off in order to determine the origins of the features of the obtained signals. We also performed experiments on Cs atoms with two laser beams: a linearly polarized Cs D1 pump and circularly polarized Cs D2 probe. We used the pump beam to create angular momentum alignment in the ground state and observed the transmission signal of the probe beam as we changed the magnetic field. A detailed analysis of the experimentally obtained transmission signal from a single circularly polarized probe laser component is provided. Finally, prospects for observing AOC experimentally are discussed, as well as experiments were even a weak AOC signal could lead to systematic errors.

Recent Progress of Atomic Magnetometers for Geomagnetic Applications

“…The electrodeless discharge lamps were used in alkali-metal-based magnetometers as light sources in early times [24]. In recent years, various new systems of magnetometers based on laser sources have emerged one after the other with the development of laser technology [34,65,66].…”