Abstract
A new method to measure the spin polarization of optically pumped alkali-metal atoms is demonstrated. Unlike the conventional method using far-detuned probe light, the near-resonant light with two specific frequencies was chosen. Because the Faraday rotation angle of this approach can be two orders of magnitude greater than that with the conventional method, this approach is more sensitive to the spin polarization. Based on the results of the experimental scheme, the spin polarization measurements are found to be in good agreement with the theoretical predictions, thereby demonstrating the feasibility of this approach.
Highlights
A new method to measure the spin polarization of optically pumped alkali-metal atoms is demonstrated
Since the ingenious idea of optical pumping was proposed by Kastler in 19501, it has played an important role in atomic physics[2,3,4]
The spin polarization directly determines the performance of atomic magnetometers and has an optimal value for an atomic magnetometer[6,8], and it is helpful for people to research and design Faraday filters by obtaining accurate knowledge of the spin polarization[12]
Summary
A new method to measure the spin polarization of optically pumped alkali-metal atoms is demonstrated. The spin polarization is usually determined by Faraday rotation using far-detuned light[18,19] In such a measurement, for the D1 line transition of alkali-metal atoms, the Faraday rotation angle θ is given by[19] θ = − le2N P , 6mec δ (1). For the vapor number density of 1011 to 1012 cm−3, as θ is usually only several milliradians[18], it is difficult to obtain accurate knowledge of the spin polarization using this method. A sensitive method to measure the spin polarization is of great value, especially for the vapor with low number density
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