Linewidths of the O-O Hyperfine Transition in Optically Pumped Alkali-Metal Vapors.
Abstract
When considering the O-O hyperfine transition in an optically pumped alkali metal vapor it is often convenient to describe the alkali as a two-level atom. In this approximation it is quite easy to show that the magnetic resonance lineshape, detected as a change in the level's population difference, is a Lorentzian of half-width. A generalized model for the magnetic resonance signal corresponding to the O-O hyperfine transition in an optically pumped alkali vapor is presented. Under conditions of microwave power broadening, the model predicts anomalous light broadening and anomalous relaxation narrowing of the magnetic resonance linewidth. Good agreement between theory and experiment was obtained in an experiment that confirmed the prediction of anomalous light broadening. These results show that the O-O hyperfine transition cannot be described as a simple two level system; rather, the alkali nuclear spin plays an important role in determining the magnetic resonance linewidth.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 15, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA169270
Entities
People
- James C. Camparo
- Robert P. Frueholz
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation