Dielectric Susceptibility Tensor for an Atomic Vapor

Abstract

The dielectric susceptibility of an atomic vapor in the presence of a magnetic field is expressed as a three by three tensor. The gain coefficient in the absence of external fields and the g and J values of the atomic levels are shown to be sufficient to determine all the tensor elements. An illustrative example for a J=1 to J=0 transition and formulae for generalizing the results are given.