N -resonances in a buffered micrometric Rb cell: splitting in a strong magnetic field

TL;DR

This study investigates N-resonances in rubidium atoms within micrometric cells, examining their behavior under strong magnetic fields and with buffer gases, revealing potential for high-precision magnetic sensing.

Contribution

It provides experimental analysis of N-resonances in micrometric Rb cells with buffer gases and demonstrates their splitting in strong magnetic fields, aligning with theoretical predictions.

Findings

High contrast and narrow linewidth achieved at 30 μm thickness

Buffered cells show enhanced N-resonance amplitude and sharpness

Resonance splitting in magnetic fields up to 2200 G matches theory

Abstract

N -resonances excited in rubidium atoms confined in micrometric-thin cells with variable thickness from 1 {\mu}m to 2 mm are studied experimentally for the cases of a pure Rb atomic vapor and of a vapor with neon buffer gas. Good contrast and narrow linewidth were obtained for thicknesses as low as 30 {\mu}m. The higher amplitude and sharper profile of N-resonances in the case of a buffered cell was exploited to study the splitting of the 85Rb D1 N-resonance in a magnetic field of up to 2200 G. The results are fully consistent with the theory. The mechanism responsible for forming N-resonances is discussed. Possible applications are addressed.