Strong collision model for light-induced drift of multi-level atoms

Abstract

The authors calculate the light-induced drift velocity of multi-level atoms in the strong collision approximation. The solution is presented in a general form which can be easily applied to various systems. Specific calculations of drift velocities are presented for the system Rb:Ar for the cases of single- and multi-frequency laser excitations. A calculation is also presented for the case of a white light excitation spectrum with a spectral dip, which could be caused by absorption of light by another substance in the vapour, for instance in stellar atmospheres.