Quantum State Preparation of Hydrogen Atoms by Hyperfine Quenching

TL;DR

This paper presents a method to polarize hydrogen atoms using a uniform magnetic field and verifies the polarization through a specific Lyman-alpha radiation pattern, demonstrating effective control over atomic states.

Contribution

It introduces a novel two-state atomic polarizer for hydrogen atoms using a uniform magnetic field and establishes criteria for confirming successful polarization.

Findings

Achieved efficient polarization over various magnetic fields and atomic velocities.

Identified a specific beating pattern in Lyman-alpha radiation as a polarization confirmation.

Demonstrated the feasibility of controlling hydrogen atom states with magnetic fields.

Abstract

We discuss the use of a region of uniform and constant magnetic field in order to implement a two-state atomic polarizer for an H(2S) beam. We have observed that a device with such field configuration is capable of achieving an efficient polarization for a wide range of magnetic field intensities and atomic velocities. In addition, we establish a criterion that must be met to confirm a successful polarization. That is possible due to a specific beating pattern for the Lyman-$\alpha$ radiation expected for the outgoing two-state atomic beam.