Steady state signal in the limit of weak optical pumping with D1 or D2 line

Abstract

The simplified rate equations for electronic polarization of alkali atoms in the hyperfine ground states are shown for circularly polarizedD 1 andD 2 lines in the limit of weak pumping. The rate equations include effects due to collisional and spin exchange relaxation of atoms in the ground state. Analytical forms of the repopulation pumping terms are shown assuming the standardJ-randomization model for relaxation of alkali atoms in resonant2 P J states and neglecting energy transfer. Analyses of the analytical steady state solutions have been performed to determine the conditions at which the longitudinal electronic orientation of alkali atoms 〈S z〉 and the orientation of atoms in hyperfine sublevels 〈S z〉 f pass through zero.