Measuring the Stokes parameters for light transmitted by a high-density rubidium vapour in large magnetic fields

TL;DR

This study measures the optical properties of dense rubidium vapour under strong magnetic fields, developing a model that includes dipole interactions and Zeeman effects, validated through experimental spectra and Stokes parameter analysis.

Contribution

Introduces a comprehensive model for electric susceptibility of dense rubidium vapour including dipole interactions and Zeeman effect, validated with experimental data up to 800 G.

Findings

Model accurately predicts absorption and dispersion spectra.

Experimental and theoretical Stokes parameters agree well.

Provides insights into light-matter interactions in dense vapour under magnetic fields.

Abstract

Here we report on measurements of the absolute absorption and dispersion of light in a dense rubidium vapour on the D2 line in the weak-probe regime with an applied magnetic field. A model for the electric susceptibility of the vapour is presented which includes both dipole-dipole interactions and the Zeeman effect. The predicted susceptibility is comprehensively tested by comparison to experimental spectra for fields up to 800 G. The dispersive properties of the medium are tested by comparison between experimental measurements and theoretical prediction of the Stokes parameters as a function of the atom-light detuning.