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Self-induced laser beam splitting in sodium vapor

R. Holzner, B. Röhricht, Patrik Eschle +5 more

Quantum Electronics and Laser Science ConferenceMay 2, 19930 citations

Resonant self-induced separation of polarization components: comparison between theory and experiment

David E. McClelland, A. W. McCord, R. J. Ballagh +2 more

An elliptically polarized laser beam tuned to the D1 transition of atomic sodium is sent through a vapor of sodium atoms that has been collisionally broadened by a buffer gas. The beam, initially Gaussian, is observed to break up into a narrower, pure circularly polarized spot surrounding an annulus of the opposite circular polarization. The sense of circular polarization of the central output spot corresponds to the weaker polarization component of the input field, and the polarization of the annular output beam corresponds to the stronger polarization component of the input field. A detailed comparison is made between the behavior observed and a recently developed theory of self-induced spatial separation of circularly polarized components.An elliptically polarized laser beam tuned to the D1 transition of atomic sodium is sent through a vapor of sodium atoms that has been collisionally broadened by a buffer gas. The beam, initially Gaussian, is observed to break up into a narrower, pure circularly polarized spot surrounding an annulus of the opposite circular polarization. The sense of circular polarization of the central output spot corresponds to the weaker polarization component of the input field, and the polarization of the annular output beam corresponds to the stronger polarization component of the input field. A detailed comparison is made between the behavior observed and a recently developed theory of self-induced spatial separation of circularly polarized components.

Journal of the Optical Society of America BJan 1, 19938 citations

Nonlinear Behavior of Circularly Polarized Laser Beams Propagating through Sodium Vapor

B. Röhricht, Patrik Eschle, S. Dangel +1 more

Abstract A variety of surprising effects arise from the nonlinear light-matter interaction of circularly polarized laser light propagating through sodium vapor. We present experimental evidence for an asymmetry in the absorption of left hand and right hand circularly polarized light as well as for the creation of a collimated light beam of apposite polarization within the light-matter interaction region. Both effects are not yet explained by common theories.

Zeitschrift für Naturforschung AJun 1, 19935 citations

Experimental reshaping of laser polarization modes in sodium vapor

Jing Cheng Wang

Jan 1, 19910 citations

Polarization rotation effects in atomic sodium vapor

P. F. Liao, Gary C. Bjorklund

Polarization rotation effects in atomic sodium vapor are studied both experimentally and theoretically. Two pulsed dye laser beams propagate collinearly through a cell containing sodium vapor. The direction of polarization of a linearly polarized dye laser beam of frequency ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{1}$ is found to be rotated by a circularly polarized beam of frequency ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{2}$. This rotation is due to the difference in refractive index at ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{1}$ for right and left circularly polarized light which is produced by the circularly polarized beam. When ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{1}+{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{2}$ is tuned near the $3S\ensuremath{-}5S$ two-photon transition of atomic sodium, this difference is primarily due to the dispersion associated with the two-photon transition. Other sources of polarization rotation which were identified include (i) real transfers of population to excited atomic levels due to collisionally induced transitions and (ii) optically induced atomic energy-level shifts. The theory includes both the effects of two-photon dispersion and optically induced energy shifts. The application of the two-photon polarization rotation effect as a fast, optically controlled shutter or modulator and as a sensitive detection technique for two-photon spectroscopy are briefly discussed.Polarization rotation effects in atomic sodium vapor are studied both experimentally and theoretically. Two pulsed dye laser beams propagate collinearly through a cell containing sodium vapor. The direction of polarization of a linearly polarized dye laser beam of frequency ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{1}$ is found to be rotated by a circularly polarized beam of frequency ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{2}$. This rotation is due to the difference in refractive index at ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{1}$ for right and left circularly polarized light which is produced by the circularly polarized beam. When ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{1}+{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{2}$ is tuned near the $3S\ensuremath{-}5S$ two-photon transition of atomic sodium, this difference is primarily due to the dispersion associated with the two-photon transition. Other sources of polarization rotation which were identified include (i) real transfers of population to excited atomic levels due to collisionally induced transitions and (ii) optically induced atomic energy-level shifts. The theory includes both the effects of two-photon dispersion and optically induced energy shifts. The application of the two-photon polarization rotation effect as a fast, optically controlled shutter or modulator and as a sensitive detection technique for two-photon spectroscopy are briefly discussed.

Physical Review AMay 1, 197759 citations

Laser Pulse Reshaping in Near-Resonant Sodium Vapor

Hideaki Niki, S. Adachi, Yasukazu Izawa +2 more

Springer proceedings in physicsJan 1, 19880 citations

Spatial separation of circularly polarized laser beams in sodium vapor

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