Spin polarization of 85Rb atoms in collisions with optically oriented metastable 4He atoms in alkali–helium plasma

Abstract

We have experimentally detected a signal of magnetic resonance (MR) from 85Rb atoms in the 52S1/2 state by measuring the absorption of light from a helium lamp producing optical orientation of metastable 23S14He atoms in a cell containing alkali metal vapor and gaseous helium at a pressure of 1 Torr. The ratio of MR signal amplitudes in Rb and He atoms did not exceed 10–2. Peculiarities of the formation and observation of the collisional polarization of Rb atoms in alkali–helium plasma are discussed.