An oscillator circuit to produce a radio-frequency discharge and application to metastable helium saturated absorption spectroscopy

TL;DR

This paper introduces an rf gas discharge device using a Colpitts oscillator for metastable helium spectroscopy, enhancing atomic frequency references for laser applications with improved RF radiation management.

Contribution

It presents a novel oscillator circuit design integrating the discharge coil, providing a stable atomic reference for laser manipulation of metastable helium.

Findings

Effective rf discharge apparatus for metastable helium

Reduced RF radiation through metal enclosure

Stable atomic frequency reference achieved

Abstract

We present an rf gas discharge apparatus which provides an atomic frequency reference for laser manipulation of metastable helium. We discuss the biasing and operation of a Colpitts oscillator in which the discharge coil is part of the oscillator circuit. Radiofrequency radiation is reduced by placing the entire oscillator in a metal enclosure.