Narrow structure in the coherent population trapping resonances in rubidium and Rayleigh scattering

TL;DR

This paper investigates the shape of CPT resonances in rubidium cells, revealing a narrow Lorentzian structure caused by Rayleigh scattering, which impacts the development of magnetooptical sensors.

Contribution

It demonstrates that Rayleigh scattering influences CPT resonance shapes in uncoated Rb cells, providing insights into cell quality and sensor design.

Findings

Narrow Lorentzian structures are superimposed on CPT resonances.

Rayleigh scattering affects fluorescence angular distribution.

Resonance shape varies with cell cleanliness.

Abstract

The measurement of the coherent-population-trapping (CPT) resonances in uncoated Rb vacuum cells has shown that the shape of the resonances is different in different cells. In some cells the resonance has a complex shape - a narrow Lorentzian structure, which is not power broadened, superimposed on the power broadened CPT resonance. The results of the performed investigations on the fluorescence angular distribution are in agreement with the assumption that the narrow structure is a result of atom interaction with Rayleigh scattering light. The results are interesting for indication of the vacuum cleanness of the cells and building of magnetooptical sensors.