Formation of strongly shifted EIT resonances using “forbidden” transitions of Cesium

Abstract

Atomic transitions satisfying Fe−Fg=ΔF=±2 (where Fe stands for excited and Fg stands for ground state) of alkali atoms have zero probability in zero magnetic field (they are so-called ”forbidden” transitions) but experience a large probabilty increase in an external magnetic field. These transitions are called magnetically induced (MI) transitions. In this paper, we use for the first time the σ+ (ΔmF=+1) MI transitions Fg=3→Fe=5 of Cesium as probe radiation to form EIT resonances in strong magnetic fields (1 - 3 kG) while the coupling radiation frequency is resonant with Fg=4→Fe=5σ+ transitions. The experiment is performed using a nanometric-thin cell filled with Cs vapor and a strong permanent magnet. The thickness of the vapor column is 852 nm, corresponding to the Cs D2 line transition wavelength. Due to the large frequency shift slope of the MI transitions (∼ 4 MHz/G), it is possible to form contrasted and strongly frequency-shifted EIT resonances. Particularly, a strong 12 GHz frequency shift is observed when applying an external magnetic field of ∼ 3 kG. Preliminary calculations performed considering Doppler-broadened three level systems in a nanocell are in reasonable agreement with the experimental measurements.