Multiple light scattering on the F = 1 - F' = 0 transition in a cold and high density 87Rb vapor

TL;DR

This study investigates multiple light scattering in ultracold, high-density rubidium vapor near resonance, revealing complex dynamics and comparing experimental results with theoretical models for the F=1 to F'=0 transition.

Contribution

It provides experimental insights into multiple light scattering and optical pumping in ultracold rubidium vapor, with qualitative agreement to theoretical models.

Findings

Steady-state line shape matches theoretical predictions

Dynamics of scattering, pumping, and saturation observed

High-density ultracold gas exhibits complex scattering behavior

Abstract

We report an experimental study of near resonance light scattering on the $F = 1 \rightarrow F' = 0$ component of the $D_2$ line in atomic $^{87}Rb$. Experiments are performed on spatially bi-Gaussian ultracold gas samples having peak densities ranging from about $5 \cdot 10^{12} - 5 \cdot 10^{13}$ atoms/cm$^{3}$ and for a range of resonance saturation parameters and detunings from atomic resonance. Time resolution of the scattered light intensity reveals dynamics of multiple light scattering, optical pumping, and saturation effects. The experimental results in steady-state are compared qualitatively with theoretical models of the light scattering process. The steady-state line shape of the excitation spectrum is in good qualitative agreement with these models.