Resonant Voigt-effect spectrum of the rubidium D^2 transition

Abstract

We investigated the resonant magneto-optic spectra of the Rb D2 transition in the Voigt configuration (transverse magnetic field). To resolve the hyperfine structure of the Voigt-effect spectrum, we used a tunable single-mode GaAlAs diode laser as a light source. Elliptically polarized light with a small ellipticity was incident upon a Rb vapor cell placed in a magnetic field. The polarization change caused by magnetically induced optical anisotropy was detected by use of a birefringent prism placed behind the vapor cell. The Voigt-effect line profiles were measured for various degrees of light ellipticity and analyzer offset angle. The measured profiles were compared with the theoretical expression.